Rudd

Order: OSTARIOPHYSI

Family: Cyprinidae

Latin Name: Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Description

Rudd can closely resemble the roach in appearance, especially the younger, smaller fish. They are present in most waters where you find roach, although rudd are perhaps not as widely distributed across the country.

The body of the rudd is a deal thinner than it’s depth and it is generally deeper bodied, with a rounded, deeper, belly. It is also slightly more hump-backed than the Roach. It can best be distinguished from the Roach by the position of it's dorsal fin which lies well behind it's pelvic fins. The eye is more yellow than red and it's fins tend to be a much deeper red than that of the Roach. The body and scales, especially in the more mature fish, are of a more golden, bronze colour whereas the roach is generally silver.

As the rudd is mainly a top feeder it’s mouth is positioned more to the top of it’s head

Habitat

Rudd are predominately a stillwater fish and when found in rivers they tend to prefer more sluggish waters and back eddies.

Baits

Unlike the Roach, rudd tend to be top feeders. On a hot summers day they can often be seen basking just under the surface or ‘topping’ to take insects. Naturally their diet is very similar to roach i.e. worms, insect larvae and small shrimps, however more often than roach they can be seen taking insects from the surface.

Maggots, caster, worms, bread and ground bait will all work well. If using casters keep a few uncovered to darken and use these as your hookbait. The darker a caster is the more buoyant it is and, once dark enough they will actually float. These ‘floaters’ make excellent hookbaits as they help disguise the weight of the hook when the fish takes them.

Tackle need not be too heavy as, generally, the rudd and roach in the water will be of similar sizes, both rarely being taken above 1 to 1½ lb in weight. With rudd the lighter your tackle, especially your hooklength, the better your chance of getting bites as they can be very particular with regard to presentation. The British record for these fish is ‘only’ 4lb 10oz, although I can imagine what a scrap that fish up to avoid being netted.