Make a pungent perch mix – Russell Shipton

Middy’s Russell Shipton has discovered a bait mix that sounds too good to be true – it occupies small fish but still draws in bigger specimens. Here’s how to make it

VISIT a commercial in the middle of summer and it is obvious what almost every angler is trying to catch. Heavy terminal tackle and side trays lined with pellets and corn clearly indicate that carp are main the target. But with the species much less obliging at this time of year, every angler takes a different path for their winter campaigns. Some stick it out hoping for a big carp to still produce the goods. Others turn to maggots and casters for a glistening net of roach and skimmers. But a growing number of anglers put perch at the forefront of their minds. In recent years the number of perch present in commercials has rocketed. Most fisheries are now home to a good stock of the predatory species. Their willingness to feed come wind, rain or shine is one appealing factor, as is their stunning appearance once held in front of a camera in the bright winter sunshine. Middy’s Russell Shipton is a devout match angler, but on pleasure sessions perch tend to be his main target. Without the pressure of a competitive edge during these trips, he is able to experiment and has come up with a devastatingly effective way of putting more perch in the net. “Worms are the ultimate bait for big perch. Unfortunately, fish of all sizes are attracted to them,” explained Russell. “But I have worked out a way of feeding that preoccupies the little fish that can become a nuisance and makes sure the better stamp get to the hookbait every time.”