Roach (Rutilus rutilus)

Specimen weight: 907 grams (2 lb).
Record weight: 1.425 kg Drumacritten Lake, 2002.

A record and a specimen, 1.425 Kg and 1.325 Kg for Terry Jackson, October '02.

Roach were introduced into Ireland and they are now one of the most prolific of Irish coarse fish, occurring in waters in all parts of the country and offering sport throughout the year, winter and summer.

Features:
Roach are easily identified by their silver colour, red fins and red eyes.

Spawning:
Roach generally spawn during May but, unlike bream, are mature after 2 to 3 years and are very prolific breeders. Roach readily hybridise with bream and rudd and these hybrids are common in areas where the species co-exist. Because of the prolific nature of roach, they can over-run a mixed fishery in a relatively short time period. Egg sizes is 1-1.5 mm

Fecundity:
Adult roach can produce 25,000-1,000,000 eggs/kg.

Longevity (age):
They can live for up to 15 years.

Diet:
Adult roach feed mainly on insects and small crustaceans. Juveniles feed on zooplankton and phytoplanton.

Best Angling Methods:
Float fishing with wagglers, stick and other floats; ledgering with arseley bombs or swimfeeders; long pole to hand or short line.

Best Baits:
Maggots, worms, bread, casters, hemp etc. with brown crumb and a range of continental groundbaits and flavourings.