Why roach will always be my favourite fish…

IN ANGLING Times reader surveys as far back as I can remember, it was roach which always held the No1 spot in anglers’ hearts. Even with the rise of carp fishing, and commercial stillwaters, it was regularly named as Britain’s favourite fish species.

That’s not surprising, because roach evoke strong memories for many fishermen. They’re often the first fish a new angler will catch, and before the days of carp, roach would form the basis of some of the most remarkable big weights in matches.

For specimen hunters a huge river redfin was the ultimate prize in their wish-list of big fish, and there’s no doubt that jumbosized roach look simply incredible.

Anglers lucky enough to catch one of over a pound, or even two, will remember the fish for a lifetime. I’ll never forget the

1lb 15oz personal best I caught on the River Dee on a waggler and maggots – I can still picture it now in the bottom of my pan net.

But things change, fishing evolves, and loyalties are switched. So, is the humble roach still Britain’s favourite fish? I won’t spoil it for you by giving you the result here, but it’s interesting to see which species you voted for in our latest reader poll (see P6).

As you read this there are only 56 days left of the closed season on our rivers. Now the rules are more relaxed on local travel, I’ve been taking the time to walk along several stretches which I quite fancy fishing on June 16.

As Des Taylor says in his column this week, walking the bank is time well spent. Apart from the huge amount of spring wildlife I’ve enjoyed encountering, there are a couple of spots with freshly fallen trees which appear to hold some chub, and a beautiful patch of gravel which will definitely receive some bait over the next few weeks… the countdown is on!