Species · Coarse · Gymnocephalus cernua
Ruffe
A small, spiny relative of the perch - mottled brown, with a joined spiny dorsal fin and sharp gill covers. Ruffe shoal on the bottom and take small baits with a slow, deliberate bite. Native to Britain; introduced to Loch Lomond in the 1980s, where it is classed as invasive.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lakes, slow rivers, canals |
| Best time | Midday |
| Category | Coarse |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Stick float, Waggler, Pole
- Baits and flies: Maggots, Casters, Hemp
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 16-20. Fine wire. Crystal bend or round bend |
| Mainline | 0.13-0.15mm. 2-3lb. Mono - low diameter essential |
| Hooklength | 0.08-0.10mm. 6" to start. Fine mono - step down if bites dry up |
| Shotting | Strung out shirt-button pattern. Evenly spaced No.8-10 shot down the line. |
| Field notes | Fine, light tackle is key - roach are line shy; Start at 6" hooklength and shorten if missing bites; Single maggot or caster on the hook; Elastic: 5-6 solid, light to protect fine hooklengths; Feed little and often - 6-8 maggots per put-in |
More coarse species
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