Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

They can be caught with a variety of methods, but the two best methods are perhaps float fishing and lure fishing.

Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby CabbagePatchKid » 09 Feb 2009 00:18

When you think of it, do you know, or have you ever known for that matter, anyone who actively fishes regularly for perch?

The majority will answer no, which is surprising as the perch is one of our most attractive fish. It is widespread in its habitat, offers all year round sport, can be caught by just about every method, does not require any sort of specialist tackle, grows to a decent size and gives a good account of itself when hooked.

While most serious anglers have seen double-figure barbel, twenty pound carp, five pound chub, 2lb roach, etc, how many of us have seen a 3lb perch? The truth is that really big perch are indeed rare captures, mainly taken whilst fishing for other species, pike especially. So why are perch so neglected by the specimen hunter? I would be interested in other views on this, as it makes little sense to me.

My greatest interest, in common with most, has been carp and barbel (chub too, at a push), but I have to say that a big perch on the bank looks as impressive as anything I've ever caught, probably because I'm so used to looking at little ones!

The great Dick Walker (former Carp record holder) has stated that a really big perch looks bigger than any other fish! Interestingly, Dick Walker was one of those few anglers who did set-out to catch big perch. During the 1950's he invented the now universally-used Arlesey bomb specifically to catch the huge perch known to inhabit Arlesey Lake. He was very successful, with many three and a few big four pounders to his name before he went on to conquer other species.

Possibly the best chance of catching an outsize perch is from one of the trout reservoirs such as our own Chew Valley. I have had scores of 2lb plus perch from this lovely lake, including one morning in 1984 when we caught them chasing the fry. I had 44 perch over 2lbs, up to 3 1/4lbs in just 3 hours fishing - it was amazing, a fish every cast, all on the fly; and don't let anyone tell you they don't fight - these all tore off line from the reel as any trout would have - magical times those!

Perch fishing took a huge knock all over the country when the perch desease hit during the late '80s, but by all accounts they're making a recovery. So try to catch just one really big perch before you go to meet old Isaac - it may just turn out to be the biggest fish you've ever seen.
Last edited by CabbagePatchKid on 15 Feb 2009 19:08, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby Raze » 09 Feb 2009 00:42

Great read.

I would say (from a beginner's POV) that the Perch is certainly one of the most exotic looking fresh water fish.

Are there any other fresh water fish with double dorsal sails!?
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby PhilM » 09 Feb 2009 00:51

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taken on a live minnow
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby mark walters » 09 Feb 2009 10:53

I totally agree, the Perch is the best loooking fish in British waters, I hope to break that 3lb barrier in the next few weeks with trips to Blenheim Palace
My PB so far 2lb 14oz

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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby CabbagePatchKid » 10 Feb 2009 23:20

Lovely fish, Mark. Really good to see that there's genuine interest in the Perch as a serious quarry out there. Best of luck in your quest - look forward to seeing the first 3 pounder on avonbarbel!
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby mark walters » 20 Feb 2009 13:20

Well i had my first trip to Blenheim Palace on Tuesday, sadly i blanked!!!! But my mate(who's a bloody newby to fishing) had 2 Perch the biggest being 2lb 13oz, I only got a pick of the first as I forgot to take new batteries lol needless to say he was dissapointed not to have a pick of his new PB. I'm back on the 4th of March for another go though :D :D


I didn't want to give away any info on areas to fish so I photoshoped the bridge in ;) ;)

Just looked at this and realised there was a pick of a chub :lol:
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby Bandy Leg Frog » 08 Nov 2009 19:09

Raze wrote:Great read.

I would say (from a beginner's POV) that the Perch is certainly one of the most exotic looking fresh water fish.

Are there any other fresh water fish with double dorsal sails!?

The only one I can think of is the Zander, unless you count the adipose fin on Grayling, Trout ect
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby mark walters » 24 Mar 2010 16:49

What an absolute stunner that is :mrgreen:
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby Tipster28 » 06 Apr 2010 14:46

Commercial fisheries seem to be the best bet for a big perch now, precisely because no one ever fishes for them. They're quite happy ignoring all the maggots and picking off fry instead.

White Springs fishery in Wales has a pretty good reputation in this respect. I've tried it a couple of times with only 2 carp on roach deadbaits to show for my efforts! When they tore off and starting fighting I thought I'd hooked a monster perch! :D was not impressed when a carp surfaced...
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Re: Big Perch - The Biggest Fish of all?

Postby Fish Botherer » 17 Dec 2012 12:08

I was forced into a change of target species on Saturday as the river rose once again. I was suprised to see the size and numbers of Perch coming from my local commercial. Me and a few other were catching Perch knocking on the door of 2lb so will be aiming for a 3lber in the coming months.

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Anybody else been out fishing for Perch recently?
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