Prawns lure 5lb 4oz perch
A fishy groundbait made from liquidised prawns accounted for this huge 5lb 4oz perch.
The popular BK Fisheries in Cornwall is just 20 minutes up the road for the experienced all-rounder Steve Proud and being fully aware of the venue’s big-perch credentials, he based his attack around traditional float fishing tactics and his special groundbait mix.
After choosing a peg on Bill’s Pool, the 54-year-old from Redruth found 10 feet of water on the edge of the shelf and used a simple waggler rig to fish a single prawn threaded on to a size 14 hook .
It was a method that saw perch to 1lb 8oz come to the net before he smashed his personal best that stood at 3lb 8oz.
“This is an incredible water to have on my doorstep and there are loads of big perch because five-pounders have been caught in the past, so I went specific ally with this species in mind. This fish blew me away and I couldn’t stop shaking when it came to the top,” said Steve.
He believes the secret to his success lies in the groundbait that he makes with liquidised prawns, brown crumb and Dynamite Baits, fed on a little-and-often basis.
“Feeding small balls of this throughout the day creates an enticing cloud in the water, which not only directly pulls in the perch, but also small silverfish that in turn attracts predators,” he continued.
“I’ve seen some big perch in my time, but this was like another species altogether and my fishing partner Ian Benny couldn’t believe his eyes either,” said Steve of the fish within a pound of the UK record.
Steve used a 2AAA waggler, 5lb mainline and a Drennan Supplex hooklink.
To find out more about the two-lake venue at St Erth, near Hayle in West Cornwall, call 01736 753275.