Fry's the limit for 4lb 10oz perch

“IT WAS without doubt the best-looking perch I’d ever seen!” – these are the words of lure fanatic Chris Lowe who was left feeling delighted with the capture of a stunning 4lb 10oz specimen.

Chris Lowe 4lb 10oz perch (pic to use).jpg

It was a new personal best for the 39-year-old although he had a much smaller perch to thank for his catch, as he explained further…

“The section of the River Thames I was fishing was in flood at the time and I was targeting the slacks with a crayfish-imitation lure.

“I spent far too long using this method with only one perch to show for my efforts, however that fish changed the game.

“It was a plump two-pounder but it coughed up a load of two-inch fry in my net.”

Being a fan of ‘matching the hatch’, Chris switched to a 7cm Fox Rage Slick Shad lure in pearl colour which completely transformed the rest of his session.

He added:

“Almost immediately I hooked into a big fish and I knew it was a special perch straight away.

“It put up a fantastic fight and when I got it in the net I couldn’t believe how pristine it was.

“I lost another on the very next cast which looked like a very big three, at least before it spat the hook at the net.

“I can’t complain though as I left with a new PB and enjoyed what was probably the best few hours of fishing I’ve ever had.”

Chris Lowe’s top three tips for river perching

Fish to key features

Snags, jetties, crease lines, boat moorings and slacks are perch hotspots – especially in flooded conditions.

Change it up

Make regular lure changes varying the sizes, colours and types of lures you want to use. Alternate your retrieve speeds too – often fishing tight to the deck with long pauses will produce the better fish. Don’t ignore crankbait fishing during the early part of the winter whilst it’s still mild.

Grind it out!

If the perch are in the area, you’ll generally know about it quickly. However, on some days in swims that you know have good form you’ll have to dig deep, especially on pressured venues. So stick at it and fish the swim thoroughly before moving on to the next.