Big perch feed off the scale

RIVERS might be written-off due to intense flooding but anglers who have been targeting reservoirs and Stillwaters have been enjoying multiple hits of specimen perch.

Here is a selection of some of the best catches we’ve recieved…

Joe Atkinson 4lb 4oz perch

Two weeks after boating 27 perch to 4lb 7oz from farmoor Reservoir, Oxon, Joe Atkinson was back to bag this 4lb 4oz stripey.

The fine specimen was part of a 14-perch haul for the carp angler which included nine others over the 4lb barrier, and all were taken on drop shot tactics with 2-4ins rubber shads or grubs.

He said: “Up until a couple of weeks ago I was still searching for my first four pounder – in three trips I've now managed 17 of them.

“I'm still in shock now and will be for quite some time, but this truly is the fishing of dreams for me.”

David Tudor 4lb 2oz perch

 Graffham water has been producing 3lb perch for fun this autumn but David Tudor has arguably caught the pick of the bunch with this 4lb 2oz effort.

Utilising dropshot tactics with a Savage Gear dying minnow in clear colour, David drifted his boat over shoals of baitfish to take more than 20 3lb-plus perch, although the four pounder was by far the highlight of the day.  

Ryan Thomas 3lb 10oz perch

Finally, Ryan Thomas proved the effectiveness of fishing livebaits over groundbait for big perch when he landed this stunning 3lb 10oz fish.

Targeting a deep area on an undisclosed southern Stillwater, the specimen ace started the session by waggler fishing maggots over a bed Dynamite Baits Silver X groundbait before switching to a float-fished livebait later on.

He said: “On only my second cast with this outfit the float sunk and after a spirited battle I managed to land a gorgeous 3lb 10oz female.

“The same lake produced my personal best in March with a giant fish of 4lb 1oz.”