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The Fish
Rudd are primarily a lake fish but have spread widely through the UKs canal network and are also found in some rivers. This surface feeding fish is often mistaken for the roach but the differences are easy to spot once you know what to look for.
To help in its surface feeding habit the bottom lip of the Rudd protrudes beyond the top one allowing it to sip in insects or food particles caught in the surface film. The fins of the Rudd are also more of a crimson than the red/orange of those of the roach.
Fishing for Rudd
Rudd are often found around reed lined bays or under overhanging vegetation where it is most likely that insects will be blown or fall into the water but will move out into open water in a breeze in search of unfortunate insect trapped in the surface film.
They will compete vigorously on the surface for loose fed maggots and casters in the summer and a little and often feeding pattern coupled with a surface cloudy groundbait is the best way of attracting and holding them in the peg. But don’t be surprised if they disappear as quickly as they appeared.
Small wagglers, set shallow with no shot down the line and light whip or pole rigs are the best methods for catching them and they seem to have a particular liking for red maggots and casters.