The Perch can be found in
most waters throughout the UK. A predator, the Perch hunts in packs
often chasing small fish in the shallows, herding them towards other
Perch until finally their prey are surrounded whereupon the pack
embarks on a feeding frenzy. The Perch with it's colours and markings
easily camouflages itself into it's surroundings, weed beds, sunken
branches and tree roots. These colours and markings are less
distinguishable in older specimens who tend to favour deep water and
solitude, their colouring being darker and the markings indistinct. The
Perch has two dorsal fins, the first dorsal fin being spined and having
a conspicuous black spot to the rear.
Methods of Capture.
There are various ways of catching Perch. Float fished or legered worm
or maggot will always tempt the fish especially if close to an obstacle
or an overhanging tree . Spinning in shallow water or close to moored
boats can equally tempt the Perch. The larger specimens are harder to
find because of their solitary existence. A well place legered minnow
or large worm can often tempt the older Perch. Some knowledge of the
fishery can be helpful such as the location of sunken tree stumps and
obstacles.
Tip: To attract perch
into your swim just nip the bottom part of the worms tail of. This
releases scent into the water to help perch find your hook bait.
Perch pictures:
My biggest perch caught down the thames.
Measured just over 10 inches.
My brothers perch was a tiny bit smaller.