Angling enthusiasts looking to target Rudd can gain valuable insights from expert fisherman Hayden Seabrook. Residing in the scenic Cambridgeshire county, Seabrook has dedicated his angling pursuits to perfecting the art of catching predatory species and shares his journey with lure fishing.
"My fishing journey began in childhood, with the Rudd being one of the first species I ever caught using maggots as bait," said Seabrook. This early introduction to fishing spurred a lifelong fascination, and three years ago he reignited that passion through a social media post featuring a Rudd caught on a lure. "That intriguing sight sparked a desire within me to someday present a lure to a Rudd myself."
"My fishing journey began in childhood, with the Rudd being one of the first species I ever caught using maggots as bait,"
Seabrook's initial success came on a scorching summer day, when he spotted a vibrant shoal of large, golden Rudd. Armed with a tiny 1cm dragonfly larvae lure, an ultra-light fluorocarbon leader, and a small split shot for casting, he made his move. "To my delight, I landed my first three Rudd, each weighing around 2 pounds," he said, recounting the thrill of that day, which motivated him to consistently pursue Rudd with lures.
"To my delight, I landed my first three Rudd, each weighing around 2 pounds,"
The following season brought clarity to the waters, providing Seabrook with new opportunities. He discovered another group of impressive Rudd and switched tactics to a 1.5-inch bright pink worm imitation. "The Rudd responded even more enthusiastically to the slow-sinking lure," he explained. His perseverance paid off, culminating in a personal best catch of 2 pounds 12 ounces.
"The Rudd responded even more enthusiastically to the slow-sinking lure,"
Current Season
Determining when to target Rudd proved crucial for Seabrook. "Springtime, particularly pre-spawn, sees these fish at their most active and aggressive," he noted, leading him to revisit his favorite fishing spot as the 2024 season approached. This time, he found Bream spawning and Rudd mingling nearby, and opted for a 2-inch Keitech Crazy Flapper crayfish imitation. "I trimmed half an inch off the top to fit the small hook, and fished it weightless," he detailed.
"Springtime, particularly pre-spawn, sees these fish at their most active and aggressive,"
Seabrook's technique for lure fishing is marked by a few key strategies. "My approach was straightforward yet effective: cast the lure as close to the Rudd as possible," he advised. He noted that most strikes occurred immediately upon the lure touching the surface. "Within three thrilling hours, I netted five Rudd with a combined weight of 13 pounds 7 ounces," he recounted, revealing his largest catch weighed 2 pounds 11 ounces.
"My approach was straightforward yet effective: cast the lure as close to the Rudd as possible,"
For those looking to replicate Seabrook's success, he stresses the importance of appropriate gear and techniques. "Polaroid sunglasses are a must-have for any angler. They allow you to see more of what’s happening below the surface," he insisted, making it clear that they are essential in his fishing arsenal.
Race Results
Transforming his lure selection, he found smaller lures were often more effective. "A 1cm dragonfly larvae lure is excellent for getting many bites, while larger specimens respond well to 2-inch lures like the Keitech Crazy Flapper," he shared. He further advised that when the action slows, trimming the lure could yield better results.
"A 1cm dragonfly larvae lure is excellent for getting many bites, while larger specimens respond well to 2-inch lures like the Keitech Crazy Flapper,"
Additionally, Seabrook carries split shots in his tackle for casting adjustments, sharing, "Casting weightless lures at fish further out can be challenging. I always carry split shot with me, which allows for quick adjustments to improve casting distance when needed."
Regarding hooks, he noted, "After experimenting with various hooks, I’ve found success with a size 8 drop shot hook. However, it’s important to match the hook size to the lure for a balanced setup. Don't hesitate to try different sizes to see what works best for your specific conditions."
Finally, to minimize the chances of spooking the Rudd, Seabrook recommends using a fluorocarbon leader. "I use a 6lb leader, which strikes the perfect balance between strength and invisibility," he stated. For his mainline, he prefers Majorcraft PE1 braid for its sensitivity, allowing him to detect even the slightest bites.
"I use a 6lb leader, which strikes the perfect balance between strength and invisibility,"
With a wealth of experiences and insights, Seabrook provides aspiring anglers a robust framework for successful Rudd fishing with lures. As he continues to explore the waters of Cambridgeshire, his story serves as both a guide and inspiration, proving that with the right techniques and determination, success is achievable in the world of predator fishing.
