Hemp is a proven winner for quality redfins on canals, but it’s vital that you rely on it at the right point in the session to unlock its full potential
THE LESSON
1 PICK YOUR SPOT
Quality roach are easily spooked. Heavy footfall on the towpath or boats ploughing through the swim will unsettle them, so you’ll need far-bank features if you want to attract and hold them in your zone. Overhanging trees or moored boats are the perfect places to concentrate your efforts on when fishing with the seed.
2 SET THE TONE
Use other baits such as bread and pinkies elsewhere in your swim in the early stages of a match, but feed your zone from the word go. Fill a big pot a third full of hemp and dump it close to the cover. If any quality roach are nearby, they can start to become accustomed to the bait straight away, and graze whenever they feel ready.
3 GET INTO ARHYTHM
The big pot of hemp will go some way to drawing roach in, but it needs to be topped up to maximise your swim’s potential. Roach are a species that are stimulated by food falling through the water column, so you must work the catapult on a regular basis. Fire in 30 grains every 10 minutes, and maintain this rhythm throughout the day.
4 BIDE YOUR TIME
Your biggest roach
