Appearance: coppery golden in colour with bright blood-red fins and an upturned mouth for surface feeding.
British record: 4lb 10oz (British record committee 2015)
Lateral line scale count: 40-55 (this is the dark row of scales along the central length of the fish's body)
Lifespan: 8 to 14 years
We like rudd because: they are considered by many to be most beautiful of the cyprinid fishes.
How to catch a rudd
As a primarily surface-feeding fish, rudd can be difficult catch in numbers and fishing for rudd is an art. Evenings tend to be the best time to catch rudd, as they can usually be seen dimpling at the surface on the far side of the canal, near to overhanging vegetation. A fine line and small hooks is the most sensible approach with the best baits being maggots, floating casters or bread punch.
Where to catch a rudd
Present in most waterbodies, although rarely common, the canals in the south of England such as the Kennet & Avon produce specimen size fish. The Grantham Canal also holds plenty of rudd.
