Angling

Delving into secret world of the roach

Scientists are using specially-tagged roach to find out where fish go after being stocked in Norfolk's rivers.

It is widely known that the species travels to shallow, weedy areas and forms large shoals to spawn, which disperse almost as soon as the eggs are laid.

But not even the experts are certain how far fish can move from a stretch they are stocked into or whether any become resident.

Now more than 200 roach have been stocked into the upper Wensum after being caught from a nearby lake by anglers.

The Environment Agency believes the roach originated in the river and were swept in when floods caused the river to burst its banks.

Before being released, the roach were implanted with a so-called Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag to enable them to be monitored by radar tracking equipment placed at strategic locations along the river.

"This is a fantastic project, as we'll get unique information regarding the movement of fish" said Helen Beardsley from the Environment Agency.

"We also hope that the addition of the roach into the river will help boost the resident brood stock already present in the stretch.

"The stretch of the Wensum into which they're being stocked is fast-flowing and not a typical deep or slow roach environment, therefore what we're attempting to monitor is where the fish move to.

"We hope that they remain in the same stretch but due to the fast-flows present we think that they may drift downstream away from the stocking area seeking areas of refuge from the flow.

"Tagging the fish will therefore enable us to monitor their movements and obtain never before achieved information."

King's Lynn AA are staging a Christmas predator match on the Ouse at Ten Mile Bank on Sunday, December 20. It's a rover, with deadbaits and lures allowed.

There's a £200 winner takes all cash prize for the highest weight, a £50 cash prize for the biggest individual predator and other tackle prizes. Organiser Steve Younger also hopes to run an auction in aid of the Macmillan Nurses charity.

Entry fee £10 per person. To book your place call 01553 773409 days or 01553 673178 evenings.