Snags home to giant Lea perch - Simon Baker

“I was overjoyed to catch this 4lb 4oz perch – my second over four of the season.

“Fishing the River Lea, I targeted a slack in the stretch tight against a nearside snag, where I suspected perch mught be hanging out.

“I had a few sharp taps on the top and struck into what I first thought was a pike! A hectic fight followed, as the fish tried to head back into the snags next to where I hooked it.

“When it rolled on the surface I knew it was another huge perch, and I was so pleased to get it in the net. A small roach livebait fished on a sunken paternoster rig did the trick.”

Simon Baker – 4lb 4oz perch