What Is A Perch?

The Perch is a bold predatory fish, which haunts the shadows of weed beds and overhanging trees in order to attack small passing fish. Its striped body pattern breaks up the body outline when it is waiting in ambush. The spiked dorsal fin and sharp edge to the gill plate can inflict a painful wound, so care should be taken when handling this fish. Perch do not grow large - a two pound fish is good and three pounds plus a specimen. A fish of 4lb is considered by many to be the fish of a lifetime.

They are capable of breeding prolifically and small perch often form huge shoals which move about the water feeding greedily on any food they can find. Due to their large mouths and equally large appetites they will often gorge the bait and take the hook well down into their throat or stomach. As they grow in size they become more predatory. Baits for perch include worms, maggots, small live and dead fish, spinners and plugs. They will take an artificial fly, usually of the streamer type. They will also take other baits such as bread or sweetcorn if they are twitched near the fish. Movement is the key to perch baits.

Statistics
Scientific Name - Perca fluviatilis.
Appearance - Large eyes, large spiky dorsal fin, dark vertical stripes on body, lower fins are red or orange.
Lifespan - 13 years.
Maximum Length - 20 inches (50 cm)
Maximum Weight - 7lb (3.2kg).
Average Weight - 6 to 8oz (170 to 228 grams).
Specimen Weight - 2lb plus (0.9kg).
UK Record - 5lb 15oz (?.??kg)
Habitat - Clean canals, reservoirs, pits and slow flowing rivers.
Best Methods - Spinning and using livebait.
Best Baits - Maggots and Lobworms.
Natural Diet - Fish, worms, insect larvae and crustaceans.