The Zander, often referred to as the Pike-Perch, is a European fish that was introduced to Uk waters. There was much controversey at first, particularly on salmon and trout rivers where they were said to be having a damaging effect on fsh stocks.
Description
Stizostedion lucioperca has many of the combined features of Pike and Perch. It's body shape is elongated like the Pike but slightly humped. It has partial vertical stripes on each flank and has two dorsal fins. The rear dorsal is similar in shape to the grayling and the foremost dorsal fin is similar to that of the Perch, with armoured spikes. Both these fins are mottled with dark grey to black spots.
Habitat
Stizostedion lucioperca is found mainly in rivers in the Uk but in lakes throughout Europe where it is bred for the table. It is certainly not present in mixed commercial fisheries due to it's preditory nature.
Baits
Naturally small Stizostedion lucioperca will eat small freshwater shellfish and crustaceans, whereas the mature adult will eat almost any fish it can comfortable swallow tail first.
It follows therefore that the best baits are small fish either presented as live or deadbaits.
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