While traditional baits like maggots, casters, bread, and hemp have long been staples for roach fishing, recent years have seen a shift towards pellet-based tactics. As many rivers now see a significant amount of pellets, these baits have become increasingly effective for targeting roach.
Benefits of fishing pellets
Pellets can be used effectively in various water conditions and depths, will release a strong aroma that attracts fish from a distance. Pellets can withstand casting and handling without breaking down easily, perfect if you have a lot of nuisance fish in your river like minnows and gudgeon that will hammer soft baits like bread and maggots really quickly.
THE BEST FEEDER RODS WILL HELP YOU FISH THE RIVER EFFECTIVELY FOR BIG ROACH...
Pellets on the feeder
Use an open-end feeder to create a localised bait cloud, attracting roach to a specific area. The combination of fairly dry groundbait and pellets for a visually appealing and aromatic bait. Cast your feeder regularly, every 10-15 minutes to maintain a steady supply of bait. The groundbait is great for attracting fish as it washes away downstream, leading the roach up to feed on the pellets you have introduced.
_THE BEST BAIT-UP RODS** ARE PERFECT FOR INTRODUCING A LOT OF BAIT INTO THE SWIM QUICKLY._**
Hookbait selection
Use a 4mm banded pellet to match the size of the loose-feed, enticing larger roach. Choose pellets that slowly release an attractive aroma, coarse pellets with added liquid attractants are recommended.
THE BEST LIQUID, ADDITIVES AND BAIT BOOSTER WILL ENHANCE YOUR BAITS AND MAKE THEM MORE ATTRACTIVE.
Location, Location
Target areas where anglers have been fishing for other species, as these spots will have seen a lot of bait. Focus on areas with good depth and flow to ensure proper oxygenation and if your river is heavily predated, look for areas with cover, such as trees.
A great place to fish in the winter is town centres and marinas, as fish seek refuge there during the colder months. Roach are shoal fish, and if you find one, there are generally a few more in the area.
THE BEST FISHING CHAIRS WILL HELP YOU STAY COMFORTABLE ON THE RIVER BANK.
Specimen Roach
Due to the nature of pellets, you will often find they are the perfect bait for picking out the specimen fish in the shoal. A dark, high-oil pellet, such as a halibut pellet, is generally the best choice for roach fishing on rivers, whether it's because they are more attractive and help draw fish up the river or because they resemble hemp, is unclear but the roach certainly love them.
