Monster perch on the munch!

The perch season has exploded into action in one of the best weeks so far for this exciting species.

Last week we reported Matt Atkins’ phenomenal 5lb 6oz stripey... and now he’s followed it up with a stunning 5lb 5oz fish.

In the same session, the predator ace also landed one of 4lb 3oz and a couple of three-pounders.

Matt said: “It’s unbelievable really. I was happy to have caught the 4lb fish, but to catch this latest 5lb 5oz perch is incredible.”

Targeting the same Lea Valley venue as before, he put his faith in a feeder-fished lobworm.

Chris West also got in on the big perch action with a 4lb 12oz fish from Kings Weir fishery on the River Lea. Chris told Angling Times: “I initially thought the fish was a pike, but my legs turned to jelly when I saw it turn and realised it was a perch.” The fish nailed a 7.5cm Fox Curly Tail soft plastic lure in a perch pattern, and is a personal best for the Herefordshire angler.

Edward Matthews added to the week’s perch haul with a 3lb 13oz specimen taken from a Midlands reservoir. He used a vibrantly coloured jig to bring the bite from an equally flamboyant golden fish.

Sam Witan continued the action with a cracking 3lb 11oz perch from Reading’s Wasing Estate Fishery. Using a lobworm on a jig head, Sam was twitching his bait along the deck when the striped specimen engulfed his bait.

A mobile approach was the key to success for Dan Eaves, who landed a 3lb 7oz perch alongside several other good fish. Targeting a Thames tributary in Surrey, Dan found a few pockets of fry and cast out a chartreuse Kopyto Shad. After a very subtle take, Dan hit into the fish, and after a few heavy head shakes he knew it was a quality specimen.