Perch are prolific hunting machines. They can either hunt solitary or in packs, and fishing for them in the Autumn months can be the perfect time to bag a specimen. Perch have amazing camouflage and eyesight. Their predatory instincts kick in when the autumn low light conditions set in this is when they cause carnage battling through shoals of prey fish hunting them like wild dogs. Here are a few top tips from our resident angling expert Ant when Lure fishing for these amazing fish.
Structure
You can find structure on all waters including rivers, canals, lakes and drains. Perch like structure to ambush prey as it gives them areas where they can patrol and seek out small prey fish such as roach bleak and gudgeon. Structure is always something that’s in the water and can be man-made or natural - either way it holds life. If you’re fishing on urban canals, keep an eye out for shopping trollies or street cones as these have been known to provide great cover and can produce big perch.
Rivers
Look for sunken trees, slacks, dead arms and pontoons; Perch love these areas. Also search out weir pools as the oxygenated water provides congregation for bait shoals. Big Rivers we recommend fishing are the Trent Severn and the Avon as these all hold interesting features and are known for holding huge perch.
Canals
Lock gates can be known as the dead end - Perch herd the prey in to these knowing that there is no escape. Canal marinas can hold lots of predators including the humble perch. In the colder months the boats provide shelter and warmth and also attract prey which in turn attract predators. Bridges are another hot spot but watch out as they can also be very snaggy with manmade debris often situated in these areas (bikes and trolleys).
Lakes, Reservoirs or Big Still Waters
These can be very daunting at times as the huge mass of water can get you thinking “oh boy where do I start?” The answer is simple, look for visual signs of structure such as river inlets, bridges, moorings and dam walls. These examples of structures have all over the years have produced some amazing perch for me. Also look out for bridges or water towers again as these are structures that will hold perch.
Tackle and Tactics
During the Autumn months I like to drop shot or jig for perch using the lightest tackle I have. There are lots of light tackle on the market at the moment especially now Perch are the new carp. To start with if you fancy trying lure fishing for perch, I recommend using simple cast and retrieve. I tend to use 6ft rods to around 1-6g but this depends all on your personal preference. I had the chance to use the Ron Thompson Trout and Perch stick 6ft7 2-8g which for its money is very good and perfect if you are wanting to try perch fishing. Check out the range online or ins-tore at Fishing Republic.
• Fixed Spool Reels for Perch: I tend to use reels to match the size of the rod and mainly use 6ft/7ft rods for perch nothing bigger, so a small size fixed spool reel like the Shimano Sienna c3000 is perfect. The smaller the reel for me the bette; there is no need for huge reels when lure fishing for perch.
• Braid: I always use braid when it comes to any lure fishing. With braid there is no give or stretch so you are in more direct contact with the lures and the fish. Using braid means that you can feel every little detail and this definitely makes fishing really enjoyable. Again I tend to use the lightest braid as possible when lure fishing for perch and these days I tend to use 8lbs with a fine diameter. As for colour this really is up to you - I like the bright colours such as pink and yellow. There are lots of brands to choose from at Fishing Republic, but I like Daiwa J braid 8 or 6lbs.
• Leaders: Its wise to use a fine wire trace when lure fishing for Perch as there is a possibility you can hook a pike. Pike have lots of teeth so a wire leader is recommended. Fine wire traces such as the Savage Gear wolfram traces are ideal these come in 13lbs. If you are fishing a water where pike are not present, then you can use a fluorocarbon leader. I like to use 6-8lbs fluorocarbon as it is invisible in water and it has a high abrasion resistance.
• Lures for Perch: There are lots of lures these days on the market especially for Perch. Perch when you catch them right will attack and eat anything; I have had perch take 12inch jerk baits in the past. Try and keep your lures to about 1 to 4 inch just to be on the safe side as this will guarantee fish. I like to use small paddle tail shads with micro jig heads between 1-3g; again there are loads in the range at Fishing Republic. Shads with a single hook are far better than using trebles they are a lot kinder on the fish and very easy to unhook.
• Light Conditions: Try and target Perch at first and last light as they tend to hunt better in the low light conditions by using their amazing eyesight which the prey don’t have. Dull days can also be ideal for seeking out a big perch. I have found that on sunny days the smaller fish are more active.
So there you have it. Our guide to enjoying great success when perch fishing this autumn. And remember, it’s all about having fun – just remember to wrap up warm with a cosy fleece or hoodie too. Check out the great range of tackle and fishing equipment online or in-store at Fishing Republic.
