Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

  Fact File: British Record 6lb
  Captor:    Ricky Halliday
  Location: Undisclosed lake - Cotswold Water Park
  Year:      2010

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.