Early Autumn

The first freshwater fish I ever caught was a Rudd but over the years I’ve never paid them much attention outside of putting them in a bucket, although I’ve always acknowledged what lovely looking fish they are. But in recent seasons I’ve caught a few from the broads that were a bit too big for purpose and this got me thinking. The boat has needed a bit of attention this summer so whilst in Norfolk I’ve taken the opportunity to get out on the water after the work is done, to try and catch one by design so to speak. So far I’ve caught plenty of Rudd on simple float fished corn but nothing as big as I’ve had when after the smaller fish. I had another go early in the month and when I set off I had a good idea of where I wanted to fish, an area I’d caught decent Rudd a few years ago. Unfortunately this spot was a disappointment, the wind made things tricky and the weed here is thick this year, unusually I didn’t get a bite. I moved into a sheltered spot, started loose feeding and after a…