In terms of freshwater ‘rockfish’ targets, it doesn’t get any cooler than the charismatic Ruffe. The Eurasian Ruffe (gymnocephalus cernua) is also known as pope, daddy ruffe, tommy ruffe or stone perch. Ruffe have a flamboyant dorsal fin and often, amazing pink eyes. Being a close relative of the Perch, Ruffe are every bit a predator fish species and can be targeted with scaled-down, ultralight lure presentations. In my opinion, they are the spikey jewel of our UK waterways and always raise a smile when I encounter one. Hopefully the following information will help you catch Ruffe too.
A nice Ruffe punk caught on a cold February day. More
Lure caught Ruffe from the canal jigging an Aquawave Jaco Nail in pearl glow.More
Of course I love the Perch, but the Ruffe certainly wins on cool points from a light lure perspective. More
Straight lures, i.e lures that don’t feature a paddle / bobble / huddle type tail, can prove advantageous when targeting Ruffe. More
Today’s canal bycatch. A handsome Ruffe and a glam silver-fish – most likely a Roach. Both on the Aquawave Straight 2.8 in pearl white. More
Boom! Big cool-points score with this one. A stunning little Ruffe caught using a scaled-down Neko rig. More
Ruffe with attitude! Another one for the Aquawave Shad.