How to fish a hemp line for roach

Mike Bedding reveals how this often-ignored bait is unbeatable for wary river redfins on the pole…

How to fish a hemp line for roach

by Angling Times |
Updated on

Hemp is a highly effective bait for catching big roach on rivers, but many anglers overlook its potential. Some anglers claim that they miss more bites or struggle to hook fish on hemp, but with the right approach, hemp can be a highly productive bait.

FIND THE PERFECT VENUE FOR A BIG WEIGHT OF RIVER ROACH IN THIS WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.

Try crushed hemp

Begin by feeding a large pot of hemp to attract roach to your swim. In shallow water (less than 7 feet deep), consider adding crushed hemp to pull fish in from a long distance.

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Set up a bagging rig

using a positive rig can significantly increase your catch rate. A positive rig allows your bait to present itself naturally and attractively to the fish, resulting in more bites and fewer missed opportunities. Recommended float is a 0.6g round bodied wire stem float using an olivette and half-a-dozen No11 Stotz as droppers.

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Add some finesse

When a lighter touch is required, switch to a 0.4g slimmer bodied float with No11 Stotz as a tapered bulk. This combination offers minimal resistance in the rig, allowing for a slower and more natural fall of the bait.

By using a lighter float, you can present your bait more delicately, making it more appealing to wary roach. The slower descent of the bait gives the fish more time to observe and react, increasing your chances of a bite.

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Feed positively

When fishing with hemp, it's essential to feed in a way that attracts the desired fish while minimizing interference from smaller species like dace and bleak will pick it off. Feed half a pouchful every minute or two to ensure it's getting to the deck.

LEARN HOW TO FISH WITH HEMP AND TARES FOR ROACH IN THIS EXPERT ARTICLE.

Hook hemp with ease

The most efficient way to hook hemp is to pierce the top of the seed with a baiting needle and feed the hook through. This technique ensures that the hookpoint sticks out of the split, providing a secure and effective presentation. By using this method, you can avoid damaging the hemp seed and maintain its natural appearance, making it more attractive to Roach.

WANT TO CATCH A HUGE ROACH? CHECK OUT OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE FOR SOME EXCELLENT VENUES TO TRY!

Opt for fluorocarbon

Using a highly invisible hooklength can significantly increase your chances of success. 0.07mm or 0.08mm diameters is an excellent choice due to its virtual invisibility in the water.

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