The Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) was a fish that I wasn’t really aware of until I caught one at the weekend during one of my fishing trips. After doing some research into this fish, its surprising what you find out.
Sometime referred to as Pope or Tommy Ruffe, the Ruffe is related to the Perch and is often mistaken as a Perch by Anglers who have not seen one before.
A shoal fish that likes slow waters such as canals, lakes and some slow rivers, it can grow as big as 25cm, but normally found around 10cm (ish).
In some areas of the world, the Ruffe is causing some issues, such as in Lake Superior in the US and Loch Lomond in Scotland, where it is having an effect on the ecology of the lake eating larvae, small aquatic bugs and fish eggs of other spawning species. Its a fast breeder with a single female laying between 130,000 to 200,000 eggs a year.
Like the Perch its important to watch the spikey dorsal fin when unhooking and returning to the water.
Sparrowhawk Bushcraft 