Target achieved with a 4lb-plus river perch - Ryan Dabbs

“This winter I challenged myself to catch a 4lb river perch, and over the last three weeks things started to go to plan, as I banked five two-pounders and a ‘three’.
“During my latest session, though, all the stars aligned and I achieved my target with a 4lb 3oz PB!
“I was bouncing a Z-Man TicklerZ lure along the bottom when it was nailed out of nowhere. The fight was incredible and at first I thought I was attached to a pike. I had to follow it upstream, but luckily I had my friend Sam with me who grabbed the net.
“After three minutes or so the fish surfaced and we both looked at each other in awe – the sheer size of it was a sight to behold and it only just fitted into my net!
“We hoisted her up on the scales and when the needle went past the magical 4lb mark I was shaking! A few snaps later and she swam off strongly.”