HOW DO I CATCH BIG ROACH?

Q I fish a stretch that holds big roach, but I can’t get a bite in the cold. What can I do to start catching again? A A good start when it’s really cold is the straight lead. Use a link-leger with enough shot to cast out and get the rig to the bottom and use a long 3ft or 4ft tail with a single maggot.

If you get regular bites, switch to a float. Usually this will be later in the day, but in the first few hours you will be on the best method to get bites. Experiment with one, two or three maggots, a pinch of bread or, in coloured water, a section of lobworm.