What are the Best Groundbaits for Roach?
Fishmeal vs. Natural Groundbaits
Today, many groundbaits contain fishmeal. These groundbaits have been designed for anglers who are fishing on commercial fisheries, where the fish have been weaned on a diet of pellets.
In such fisheries, the fish tend to respond better to ground baits that contain fishmeal.
Natural Groudbaits When Fishing for Roach
When fishing for roach in natural (rivers, lakes and canals) venues where limited amounts of pellets and fish-meal-based boilies are introduced by anglers, non-fishmeal groundbaits can often be more effective.
These groundbaits are typically made from crushed biscuits or breadcrumbs and include natural flavourings, often from herbs and spices.
Some of these groundbaits have been around for decades, originating from bait manufacturers on the continent.
Others are more recent, probably designed to cater for the upsurge in commercial silverfish match and pleasure fishing.
In this article, we look at some favourite ‘natural’ groundbaits that are worth considering when targeting roach.
Best Groundbaits for Winter Fishing
Fishmeal groundbaits are pungent and contain high percentages of proteins and fats, including oils.
In winter, when water temperatures are low, fishmeal groundbaits can deter fish.
Being more densely packed with calories, fishmeal groundbaits can also overfeed the fish.
In such situations, groundbaits containing low levels of fishmeal or no fishmeal at all are often more suitable.
Groundbaits for Clear Water
When the water is clear, fish can be ‘spooked’ by patches of light-coloured groundbait on the bottom.
This may be because they feel conspicuous to predators when feeding over a light-coloured background.
Dark brown and black groundbaits are favoured by many anglers when fishing in clear water.
Active vs. Inert Groundbaits
An ‘active’ groundbait releases particles, some of which rise up in the water column.
‘Inert’ groundbaits remain more dormant on the bottom.
Some groundbaits are naturally more active than others due to the ingredients that they contain.
Mixing a ground bait well in advance (such as the evening prior to going fishing) will allow water to penetrate all the particles in the groundbait and will result in a much more inert mix.
Active groundbaits are often used for roach fishing, and inert groundbaits are used for bream and skimmer bream.
Best Groundbaits for Roach Fishing
At any time of year, on natural venues, try non-fishmeal groundbaits.
There are several brands of bait manufacturers that sell non-fishmeal groundbaits.
We look at several of these below.
Which Brands of Groundbait are Best?
All the brands mentioned in this article are of excellent quality and are highly recommended.
We’d suggest that you pick a brand or two and learn about the characteristics of their groundbaits. That way, you will know the best way to mix them and how they perform in different fishing conditions.
Ebay Ads: As an Ebay Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Top 5 Roach Groundbaits
In no particular order, these are our picks for the top 5 groundbaits for roach fishing.
Purposely created for targeting roach on all types of water. A light, sweet, fine crumb is perfect for use with all tactics. Packed with irresistible ‘roachy’ attractors, including hemp and coriander seed.
Available in Original and Super Black to suit different conditions. Easy to mix.
This dark roach mix is heavily hemp and coriander based, two of the best ingredients for catching roach. It contains finely milled hempseed as well as a mix of coarser hempseed for texture so it is a great mix for the summer.
If it is being used over winter where a finer mix is required some of the larger hemp particles can be riddled off.
Gros Gardons is an old classic. It is a dark-coloured bait that has large particles, making it ideal for big roach.
Quite a sticky groundbait, which can hold lots of particles.
An old school favourite, Van Den Eynde Groundbait.
Marcel van den Eynde, founder of Van Den Eynde groundbaits, is a World Champion Belgian International.
He founded Van Den Eynde off the back of his World Championship victory in 1970.
A medium texture groundbait, containing a blend of proven attractors including coriander, milled hemp, salts and spices which roach find irresistible!
A reliable GO2 mix, sticky in nature which makes it perfect for balling in on rivers and lakes.
Honorable Mention - Great Value!
This groundbait is a special roach mix, created by former World Champion, Clive Branson.
We recently discovered this groundbait but have not yet had the opportunity to try it.
This is a Special Roach Mix 5 x 1kg Bags
Other articles that you might enjoy:
© Mark Elliott 000Fishing
