The asp arrived in France in the late 1980s, particularly on Alsatian rivers, mainly the Rhine, where I caught my first in 2016. This big, wide-mouthed chub, a member of the Cyprinidae family, is much stockier and more powerful. Although it doesn't have a specific set of teeth like most carnivores, it feeds mainly on a variety of fish as an adult, notably bleak. It has the particularity of feeding close to the surface, which makes its fishing very attractive.
Using a two-handed rod for shore fishing on large rivers
In large rivers and from the shore, a two-handed rod or switch allows you to cast far without tiring. In fact, asps are mostly found on large rivers, and from the shore you are sometimes limited with a one-handed rod, both in casting length and sometimes by the lack of recoil or space behind you.
I opted for a 14-foot 7/8 silk on the Loire in particular, but a 12-foot 7 silk rod could be well suited to most spots in France, unless you really need to lengthen the casts. Because sometimes they're a long way off, and long rods give you more distance.
This allows you to keep your rod neither too heavy nor too powerful to fight this fish which makes beautiful attacks but is not so powerful except perhaps in strong currents, especially in autumn during water strokes.
In a boat or on open spots, a one-handed 9 to 10-foot 7/8 line rod is more than adequate, especially if you're a good caster and have mastered the double pull.
Imitation bleak and small forage fish
The 8-10 cm bleak imitations are often the most attractive, as asps are particularly keen on this species when present.
I use several models that have enabled me to take asps in the Loire, but which I think could work just about anywhere.
Green, green/blue backs are recommended to imitate this prey, often found in good density in French rivers. Then white, white/silver or glittery colors, as well as chartreuse, are to be expected.
Strong iron hooks such as Ahrex SA 280 in sizes 2 and 4 are ideal for all marine predators, but also for asps.
Gurgler-type surface flies can sometimes trigger beautiful attacks and it's always a great pleasure to see the broth that asps can produce when they attack!
A challenge to be met!
The asp, whatever the season or river, is a fish that requires time and energy.
They're moody and can be confusing, especially when they're hunting and you know they're there but you don't see any bites! You need to know not only the fishing spots, but also their habits and customs. If you don't live near an asp river, you need good information and/or a bit of luck to catch one when you're away for one or two fishing sessions, which is no mean feat. I know what I'm talking about!
These fish aren't always active and can seem to desert certain sectors! On other days, they are very aggressive and easier to catch, but these days seem to be rare!
It takes a good dose of motivation, conviction and no skimping on the number of fishing hours to finally find their presence and perhaps catch one of these surprising cyprinids/carnassiers.
In any case, I can't wait to go back and take up the challenge again, as these fish are always interesting to stalk and make very nice attacks, whether on the surface or on a streamer under the skin of the water!
