BAG UP ON ROACH OR SINGLE OUT THE SPECIMEN REDFINS
WHICHEVER PATH YOU FOLLOW, NOW IS THE TIME TO GET OUT THERE AND CATCH
RIGHT now many anglers will be chasing big nets of roach, but the specialist anglers among us may well after the ultimate prize, a roach over 2lb. Winter is the time to make this a reality, so for a chance to catch the fish of a lifetime, take a look at these six top venues in the coming weeks…
WILLOW LAKE, LINCH HILL, STANTON HARCOURT, OXON
Perhaps the most well-known big roach venue in southern England, with specimens exceeding the 4lb mark, and fish to 3lb commonplace – all available to you on a day ticket. Willow Lake is roughly seven acres in size, boasting 20 swims, four of which are double swims for the social anglers among us. Contact: 07833 130041 or 07769 198609 Postcode: OX29 5BB
RIVER FROME, WAREHAM, DORSET
A 3lb roach from a river is about as good as angling can get, and this free stretch is just the place to try your luck! The venue is tidal and, as on so many other tidal venues, reports show that the best times for the biggest roach are at the top of the tide. The areas around the main road (B3075) bridge are favourite haunts for the specimen redfins. Contact: Dean Watts, Purbeck Angling, 01929 550770 Prices: Free fishing
LINEAR FISHERIES, WITNEY, OXON
This famous day-ticket venue, the rich gravel pits of which have been filled with an abundance of food from carp anglers, offers some fantastic roach reaching weights of over 3lb. On the complex the stand-out lakes are Brasenose 1 and 2, along with Oxlease and Hardwick/Smiths, although in reality all venues are worth a try. Contact: 07885 327708 Postcode: OX29 7QF
LOWER ITCHEN FISHERY, SOUTHAMPTON, HANTS
This premium day-ticket venue is available on a pre-booking basis between October 5 and March 14. It’s a notable section for all species, and although it can be difficult at times, the rewards are there, with a number of roach over 2lb on offer. A great venue for long trotting methods, the best way to catch any roach. Contact: 07477790210 Postcode: SO18 3HW
BURY HILL FISHERIES, DORKING, SURREY
Often fished by John Wilson, Milton Lake, at the famous Bury Hill Fishery in Surrey, is well worth a look for those after a 2lb roach. Thirty pegs on three acres mean plenty of space for the angler, where fishing a variety of methods will bring results. Contact: 01306 883621 Postcode: RH4 3JU
TRICKLE BROOK FISHERY, FIVE OAK GREEN, KENT
Both the Specimen and Match lakes here now hold roach over the 2lb mark. The Specimen Lake boasts a better average stamp, however, with few fish below 12oz, while the smaller fish in here were netted out and rehomed in the Match Lake. Try fishing corn or triple maggot to single out the better fish. Contact: 07743 955812 Postcode: TN12 6SH