Holland the place to be for massive perch

A PERCH equalling the current British Record best of 6lb 3oz has been boated from a river in Holland.

The massive stripey fell to the rod of 50-year-old Mark Edwards who alongside friend Keith Elliot had embarked on a guided trip on a waterway near Rotterdam in search of a huge perch.

Keith told Angling Times: “We were drifting across likely-looking areas and fishing little plastic paddle tails close to the bottom when Mark’s rod hooped over, and straight away our guide recognised the take to be from a huge perch.

“We couldn’t believe our eyes when this huge, round fish surfaced moments later.

“It was a new PB for Mark who was over the moon with such a giant fish.

“Come February I’m sure it’ll be close to the 7lb mark.”