Here's a method to obtain a fish without providing it with food:

Revelation in Fishing: Catching More Roach Using Nitella "Green" Algae Without Bait

If you're looking to catch three times more roach during the summer months, Russian fisherman Leonid Sabaneev suggests a century-old method: fishing on Nitella, a type of algae, outperforms conventional bait. This approach is particularly effective for roach, chub, and grayling.

Understanding Nitella: Its Origin and Collection

Nitella, a genus of freshwater green algae, can often be found growing on rocks, bridge piers, and submerged wood in flowing rivers. When collecting, choose bright green strands that are 10-15 cm long. Avoid brown or slippery algae as they are ignored by fish and may dry out if not properly stored in a damp cloth.

Preparing Your Equipment

To fish with Nitella, use a 5-6 meter long spinning rod, 0.12 mm line, 0.10 mm trace, size 16-18 hooks with a sharp point, and a "bulb" float with 1-2 g of buoyancy.

Preparing Your Bait

Create a bunch of algae about 5-7 cm long ( approximating a "vershok" as per Sabaneev).
Fold the group in half and tie a knot.
Thread the hook through the knot, leaving the end free to flutter in the current. This mimics a live organism, allowing roach to swallow the bait before feeling the hook.

Fishing Techniques

Find roach, chub, and grayling in spots such as riffles with rocks, bridge piers, and the boundaries between fast and slow current. Cast your line downstream, allowing the Nitella to float ahead of the hook. Bites occur within 3-5 seconds! Hook the fish at the slightest dip of the float with a gentle flick of the wrist. Their mouths are weak, so a sharp strike may tear them.

Let the Fish Bite: Three Tips from Sabaneev

Fish in murky water: After rain or in moderate current, fish become less cautious.
Look for schools near the surface: In hot weather, roach rise to feed on algae in the upper layers.
Add an "attack point": Tie a red thread to the Nitella bunch to entice even passive fish to bite.

Avoid These Mistakes

Reluctant fish may be deterred by:

Thick lines (> 0.14 mm) that are visible in clear water.
Short strands (< 5 cm) that lack natural movement.
Fishing in still backwaters where Nitella doesn't work as effectively.

Previously, we detailed how specific baits can drive fish wild.

Further Examination: Nitella in Freshwater Ecosystems

Nitella hyalina, a species of freshwater green algae, is characterized by plants up to 20 cm high with distinctive accessory branchlets and reproductive structures enveloped in mucus. It inhabits freshwater and slightly brackish water environments and is often found in annual populations that fructify between July and October. In river habitats, Nitella provides vital shelter and habitat for various fish and aquatic insects, making these areas attractive for angling.

Anglers seeking Nitella-rich areas should look for shallow river zones with stable substrates where the algae can grow abundantly. The presence of Nitella suggests the existence of favorable conditions for diverse aquatic life, enhancing the fishing experience.

Nitella, aside from being a viable substitute for conventional bait, is also an essential part of freshwater ecosystems, providing shelter and habitat for various fish and aquatic insects. In the realm of sports, angling in Nitella-rich areas can lead to an increased catch of roach, chub, and grayling due to the abundance of life these areas support.

The collection of Nitella for fishing purposes should include bright green strands that are 10-15 cm long, avoiding brown or slippery varieties that are often disregarded by fish and may deteriorate if not properly stored.