Nase

The Iberian nase is widespread throughout most of Spain. They are absent from Catalonia, Aragon, La Rioja, Navarra and Pais Vasco. Both still and running water hold large shoals of these small but hard fighting fish. Known locally as ‘bogas’, this species is a favourite target of match anglers. Nase grow to 2 kilos (4.4lbs). Most fish average around 300 grams (10.5 ounces). Large bags of fish are possible.

Nase can be caught using a variety of tactics. Feeder fished corn or maggot on rivers and lakes can work quite well, but by far the most effective, (and arguably the most enjoyable!) is float fished maggot. On lakes and reservoirs, fish a slow sinking single or double white maggot to a size 16 to 22 hook. Fish as light as possible, but make sure to take any existing snags into account. Lines in the 1.3 kilo (3lb) region, with a 0.9 kilo (2lb) hook length are ideal. These fish can spook quite easily, so a loaded crystal waggler, with one or two dropper shot down the line is advisable. Loose feed little and often. Feed small balls of liquidised bread or ‘cloud bait’ to keep the fish interested.

When fishing rivers, try to find smooth medium depth glides over gravel. Trot a single maggot under a waggler or stick float. Feed hemp and maggots, little and often to keep the fish interested. You may have to feed for quite a while before the fish start feeding – be patient, results will come. Fishing light is the name of the game for nase, but this also means that any accidentally hooked carp or barbel could smash you up, making a well balanced set up essential. Use a 3.65 to 3.96 metre (12 to 13 foot) soft tipped stick or waggler rod, with a good quality reel and line.