Ide

Ide (Leuciscus Idus) Fish Description

The Ide, also known as an Orfe, is a predominantly silver-white fish. It has a dark-colored back from which its name is derived from. As it grows older, the Ide eventually has some tinges of gold covering its body. Its fins are light grey although its caudal, pectoral, and anal fin have a tinge of rose in them. They have a long, elongated body with a square-edged tail though there’s a slight indention that makes it somewhat appear like a letter “v”. 

Ides are quite plump – some even saying that it reminds them of a Chub – which make them a prized gamefish.

Diet and Size 

Ides eat adult insects and snails though they sometimes feed on a variety of invertebrates. As they get older however, Ides eat other fish like the common roach or a common bleak. 

Ides on average grow up to about 9 to 19 inches long. They usually weigh between 1.1 lbs to 3.3 lbs. However, there are cases when they do exceed the average usually reaching around 4.4 lbs. However, someone reported that there are some Ides that manage to grow up to 12.1 lbs.

Interesting Facts about the Ide

• Someone illegally imported Ides into New Zealand before.
  • They didn’t last long however.
• Ides became a popular ornamental fish in Europe, particularly in Great Britain.
  • Now they’re more widespread in England and Wales.
  • They originally came from France which went to Germany and finally, into the Netherlands.
• When young, Ides prefer travelling in groups.
  • As they grow older, Ides prefer patrolling in smaller groups. Sometimes, they can even be seen travelling alone.
• Ides reach sexual maturity between 3-5 years old.
• Ides grow big so many fish collectors advise keeping them outside in a pond.
  • They’re in a way a European version of a koi.
• The average lifespan of an Ide ranges between 10-15 years.

Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for an Ide

When fishing for Ides, people usually prefer fishing in the shallower portions of the water. Ides are known also to attack casters with great gusto especially during the summer. However, this highly depends on the season. In the winter season, Ides prefer maggots. However, Ides prefer warmer waters so sinking your bait down to the deeper portions of the water body will help you attract them.

Ides are known to be greedy fish despite it being winter. Most fish don’t come out for the winter but Ides will especially if they or know that maggots are on the menu. Some anglers even recommend chucking small amounts of bait into the water to get them coming. They’ll voraciously attack the bait which will make it easier for you to either scoop them out with a net or some use multiple baits and lines to catch more. 

Some recommend catapulting. Catapulting is kind of similar to using a slingshot. But instead or rocks, you’re using bait as ammo. Depending on the kind of bait, you’ll have to use a specific kind of catapult. For Ides, people prefer using maggots to get them so some suggest using an elastic-match catapult. It allows you to keep the maggots from scattering all over the place so that the Ide stack on each other, making it easier for you to catch them. 

Habitat and Distribution

 Ides like staying in water bodies with clear waters. They usually like staying in rivers, lakes, and ponds. However, what affects them more is the temperature. During the winter, they usually move towards the deeper portions of the lake or pond for warmer waters. During spring, they move up to shallower waters where they usually feed.

Younger Ides stay at the shoreline where they can feast on some of the invertebrates that pass them by. They usually stay in the rivers while they’re younger. However, their pattern of behavior changes when they grow bigger. Older Ides eventually leave the river and head off to the Baltic Sea. Then, they return back to the river when they’re about to spawn. Usually, Ides are found loitering around the vegetation when they’re about to lay their eggs.