Listen to the Song – The Jewel with the Golden Throat
The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Roach
The People’s Champion
“With crimson fins, silver flanks and a willingness to feed in almost every water, the Roach has introduced generations of anglers to the joy of fishing.”
Species Profile
The Common Roach (Rutilus rutilus) is one of Britain’s most familiar and much-loved freshwater fish. Easily recognised by its gleaming silver body, bright red fins and vivid orange-red eyes, the Roach is as beautiful as it is adaptable.
Found in rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and reservoirs throughout Britain, the Roach thrives in a wide variety of habitats. Whether pursued by a young beginner with a simple float rod or a seasoned match angler competing at the highest level, it remains one of the nation’s favourite fish.
Few species have played such an important role in the history of British coarse angling.
Clive’s Story
If I had to choose one fish that shaped my early years as an angler, it would almost certainly be the Roach.
As a young boy learning my craft on the River Taff, it was the Roach that taught me the importance of delicate presentation, careful feeding and patient observation.
There was nothing quite like watching a tiny float dip beneath the surface before lifting into a beautifully shaped silver fish.
As my match fishing career developed, Roach continued to play an important role.
Large winter shoals often decided the outcome of major competitions, and success depended upon understanding their behaviour. Every cast, every loose-fed maggot and every adjustment to the depth could make the difference between victory and defeat.
The Roach became one of my greatest teachers.
Natural History
Roach are highly adaptable fish that inhabit almost every type of freshwater environment.
They feed on insect larvae, freshwater shrimps, small snails, seeds, algae and aquatic plants, adjusting their diet according to the seasons.
In winter they often form large shoals in deeper water, while during warmer months they spread throughout rivers and lakes in search of food.
Although rarely growing to great size, specimen Roach over two pounds are considered exceptional and are highly prized by anglers.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Rutilus rutilus
- Family: Cyprinidae (Carp Family)
- Average size: 4 oz–1 lb
- Specimen size: Fish over 2 lb are exceptional
- Habitat: Rivers, canals, lakes, ponds and reservoirs
- Diet: Insect larvae, worms, seeds, algae and small aquatic creatures
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Status: One of Britain’s most widespread freshwater fish
Behind the Song
When writing The People’s Champion, I wanted the music to reflect the happiness that Roach have brought to so many anglers.
The melody has an uplifting quality, reminding us that success in fishing isn’t always measured by the size of the catch.
Sometimes the greatest memories begin with a single silver fish caught on a summer’s afternoon.
This song celebrates those simple moments that first made so many of us fall in love with angling.
Conservation
Although Roach remain widespread, they still depend upon healthy rivers, canals and lakes.
Improving water quality, restoring natural habitats and protecting aquatic vegetation all help maintain strong Roach populations for future generations.
Healthy Roach populations also support predators such as Pike, Perch, Kingfishers, Otters and Herons, making them an important part of Britain’s freshwater ecosystems.
Clive’s Reflection
Whenever I see a shoal of Roach flashing beneath the surface, I am taken back to my childhood.
Long before the championships.
Long before international competitions.
Long before trophies.
The Roach reminds me where it all began.
It taught me patience, observation and respect for the water.
Every accomplished angler was once a beginner, and for many of us, the Roach was the first fish to show us the magic hidden beneath the surface.
“Every great angler begins with a single cast, and for many, a single Roach.
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