Summer perch campaign ends with Stillwater giant

A SUMMER spent in pursuit of a specimen perch finally came to fruition for Paul Bailey with the capture of this stunning 4lb 10oz predator.

The Pontefract, West Yorkshire angler decided to exclusively target the species since fishing resumed in May and concentrated his efforts on three stillwaters in his home county.

By fishing just a couple of hours before first light on weekday mornings, 63-year-old Paul managed to catch several twos, four threes and a 4lb 2oz specimen – all of which were eclipsed during his latest session…

“I arrived at my usual time before dawn and baited lightly next to some lily pads with maggots, redworms and chopped prawns, before casting a waggler with a prawn hookbait to the spot,” says Paul.
“Two hours went by without a bite, though, and it began to rain heavily, so I decided to pack my kit up and call it a day.”

Halfway through Paul turned round to see his float dip and sail away.

“I came out from the cover of my brolly and got a soaking, but It was necessary as the fish tried to snag me in the lilies twice!
“After steering it out I stabbed the net under it and she was mine.
“My PB is just over 5lb so I knew this one was close.
“At 4lb 10oz it’s probably the biggest summer perch I’ve caught and would love to see it again in the winter when it’s even bigger.”