As autumn and moodier weather arrives, my focus shifts to silverfish, roach being my favourite target species. There are few better sights in angling than seeing a huge roach slip over the net and when you get your tactics right, the sport can be prolific.
While the common tactic for big roach these days is to fish multiple rods on bite alarms, I’ve found that I have better results when fishing just one quivertip rod. It is a far more intimate way of catching them and instead of waiting for runs, I’m watching for bites, which can be fickle and easily missed when fishing with bite alarms. If you want to catch some big roach on a feeder, here are some of my best tips to help you land one...
Avoid tangles
When feeder fishing for roach, I much prefer to use a helicopter-rig, as it is the most tangle free way to fish. One thing I do add is an anti-tangle sleeve to kick my hooklink away from the mainline and feeder, it just gives me the extra confidence my rig is sat perfectly on the lake or river bed.
IF YOU WANT TO CATCH BIG ROACH, WE HAVE SOME EXCELLENT TIPS IN OUR EXPERT GUIDE.
Stay mobile
Just like in any there style of angling, if you’re not catching, it might be time to move as location is everything, especially when you are trying to find a small shoal of large roach. It helps to keep an eye on the rest of the lake for signs of fish topping or rolling. Another thing to look for is indications on your rod tip, which is another benefit of using a quivertip.
THE BEST FEEDER FISHING CHAIRS WILL HELP KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE WHILE WAITING FOR BITES.
Lighter tips are best
I chose to use a 3oz quivertip. It is a happy medium, while a 3oz tip registers bites nicely, it has enough power to help me get my feeders out easily and accurately.
Pick the right lines
When I am roach fishing, 6lb mono is my choice. This is strong enough to withstand regular casting, and balances the rest of my set-up nicely. The slightly thicker line also helps pin the last three feet of line on the bottom away from any wary roach that might be feeding.
IT PAYS TO USE ONE OF THE BEST FEEDER FISHING REELS WHEN TRYING TO CATCH SPECIMEN FISH.
Fit an isotope
As with many specimen fish, the period from dusk going into darkness is a great time for catching roach. I’ve purchased some Starlight clips, which allow me to watch the quivertip when the light has faded. Just make sure they are fitted securely and that your mainline doesn't wrap around them before casting out.
THESE VENUES ARE WELL WORTH CHECKING OUT IF YOU WANT TO CATCH BIG ROACH...
