The Perch has very fond memories for me and probably many other adults looking back at their chilhood fishing exploits since it was the first ever fish I caught.
The reason for this is probbly due to the crued tackle I used then and that only a greedy perch would be likely to even consider taking the bait!!
Description
Sometimes variable in shape, however easily identifiable and could not be confused with any other UK coarse fish, except possibly a ruffe - but even this could only happen with tiny specimens.
The body is usually slightly humped, it's upper parts are a dark olive green, it's sides are a mottled yellowy green and it's belly is white.
The most distinguishing features are it's twin dorsal fins, the larger of the two having 12-15 spines - which many an angler has fallen foul of - me included!
The other feature which makes the perch such a handsome fish are it's five black vertical bars on each side.
The average adult grows to between 6-12 inches long and the Uk record is currently 5lb 9oz.
Habitat
Perca fluviatilis are found in rivers, canals and lakes. Smaller fish seem to be happy in shoals but the larger specimens tend to be quite solitary in nature.
In rivers they favour deeper water in winter however in spring and summer they can be found in shallow water under cover of weed or tree roots where they lie in wait for fry.
Baits
Naturally perch have a varied diet consisting of small fish, freshwater shrimps, worms and insects.
It follows that a redworm is a particularly good bait since they are eaten naturally. A common method is to feed chopped worms using a pole cup and fish a worm hookbait over this.
Perca fluviatilis could certainly be tagged as an agressive freshwater fish and therefore small live baits, spinners and lures can be productive but simple baits available from your local tackle shop such as maggot and caster will work equally well.
If you would like to submit a picture of your latest Perch catch Click this link
