Improve Your Coarse Fishing (UK)
Phil Taylor explains how big river perch like this can be yours for little or nothing
Phil Taylor reveals his simple formula for compiling an impressive haul of big river stripeys... for next to nothing!
S THERE really such a thing as a free day’s fishing? You may uncover a hidden gem where you don’t have to pay a single penny to fish but then the bait bill soon puts a dent in your wallet. On the flipside you might find a way of spending zilch on bait only to be stung by the price of a day-ticket at your chosen venue. But Phil Taylor is dodging both bullets when it comes to his winter perch campaign and his money-saving antics certainly aren’t having a negative effect on his results. The Lincolnshirebased angler has landed a raft of huge predators, with specimens over the 3lb mark mixed in with countless 1lb and 2lb-plus fish.
So, what is the secret to his success? “There are so many stretches of river around the country that offer free fishing and the vast majority of them are home to big perch,” explained Phil. “Once you’ve located them all is you need is a handful of worms and you can put some very impressive fish in the net.”
Reading the clues
With miles of river to explore, the thought of trying to locate a shoal of perch can be daunting. But tracking them down is often a lot easier than it seems and walking along your chosen venue will provide a host of clues. “At this time of year there is often a lot of fine weed on the surface and the tiny silverfish feed off this – you can’t miss them as they break the surface. “Every now and then you might see something bigger swirl among them and although you may assume these are pike, they are more often than not big perch.” The small rivers that look unlikely homes for such large fish are actually the best venues to visit as perch thrive on neglect. “There are lots of tiny streams, drains and rivers close to my home that aren’t controlled by any clubs and I’ve caught quality perch out of the majority of them,” revealed Phil.
Feed nothing
Once your chair is in place and the line has been passed through the rod rings, it’s usually time to introduce your loosefeed – but don’t. “Loosefeeding is a waste of time for this type of fishing!” stated Phil. “If perch are hounding down small fry then they are already active. “Place your floatfished hookbait in the vicinity of where they are feeding and it won’t take them long to find it.” A handful of lobworms dug from his lawn or local fields is all that he needs for hookbaits. “Perch are greedy – you’ll be amazed at what they scoff down. “I use a whole lobworm and this can easily be
“Many river stretches are free – the vast majority are home to big perch”
taken by any fish over 1lb.” To ensure he hits every bite, Phil allows the float to dip and then counts to three in his head before striking. This is because the fish often start with the end of worm furthest from the hook in their mouth. Striking instantly would yank it out of their mouth before they have chance to engulf the end with the hook in it.
Take no prisoners
The beds of fine weed that the tiny silvers are feeding on are likely to have congregated close to the bankside. On venues that are rarely fished – like the rivers Phil regularly targets – you can guarantee that there are snags hidden from view. Perch patrol these spots on a daily basis and if any predators are spotted they will dart for cover into these snags. A split second after the hook is set the fish will act in a similar manner, instantly heading for cover where they feel safe. To beat that initial surge of power and prevent them from weaving your rig around multiple snags, heavy gear is required. “These fish are unlikely to have been caught before so they aren’t going to be cautious when feeding, no matter how much you beef up your tackle. I use 6lb mainline straight through to a size 6 hook. My rod is an 11ft pellet waggler and this has enough power to set the hook and pull them up off the bottom quickly.” A genuinely free day’s fishing, and a real shot at a new personal best – a recipe for the perfect winter campaign.