SPECIMEN TIPS OF THE WEEK
CATCH A SPECIMEN PERCH
BIG perch are probably more widespread than at any time in the past 40 years and can be found almost anywhere. Perch over 3lb are present in all types of waters.
On flowing waters they can be found in tiny streams that you can
LOCATION
On stillwaters perch will often be found close in, near to cover or at the bottom of a marginal shelf, but they can be found in deeper water further out too. Anywhere there are significant changes in depth such as dam walls, gravel bars or old stream beds is worth a look.
At this time of year fry are beginning to shoal up – find them and the perch won’t be far away. TACTICS
When fishing close in I like to floatfish with a straight waggler and my hookbait just on the bottom. If I don’t get any bites I’ll try fishing the bait just off the bottom. When doing this I remove a shot to prevent the heavy bait from pulling the float under.
When fishing further out, I find using two rods with swimfeeders is far more productive. It’s important to use the lightest bobbins possible to minimise resistance. BAIT
I switch between a variety of baits for stillwater perch, including lobworms, dendrobaenas, red maggots, casters and prawns.
Prawns seem to be the equivalent jump over, in canals, and in big rivers like the Thames and Severn. On stillwaters they are present everywhere, from commercial carp waters through to huge reservoirs.
This means that wherever you live, there are big perch not far away. of Marmite to perch. On some waters they will outfish all other baits, on others you cannot get a bite on them. Switch baits until you find one that works. FEED
To get a small bed of bait into the swim I recast my feeders every 10 minutes during the first hour. After that I recast each rod alternately every half-hour if I am not getting any bites.
Chopped worms lay a scent trail to draw in perch, especially on windy days when the undertow helps disperse the smell. TIME OF DAY
Windy and overcast days are best, but perch will take advantage of a good supply of bait so can be caught in any conditions. You’ll catch more on a bright sunny day if you have a bait in the water rather than staying at home moaning!