ANGLING: How to tackle those pit perch (From Bicester Advertiser)

ANGLING: How to tackle those pit perch

11:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Sport

With the floods going down slowly, I’m going to give the rivers a rest and persevere with the pike at Farmoor Reservoir, writes Gerald Stratford.

I also fancy a go at some perch in an old gravel pit I know.

Any good 12ft soft action rod will do, loaded with 5lb line. I will be using two baits, lobworms and deadbaits, on size 6-8 hooks.

For the worms, I’ll use an Avon type float with all the shot under it except one, which I will pinch two inches from the hook.

Cast out and let the worm sink to a count to ten, if no bite occurs lift the rod until you see the worm, then sink again. Perch are aggressive fish and will attack movement.

For deadbait fishing, I use the same type of rod, but go for 7-8lb line and fish the bait static three to four inches off the bottom. Roach or small perch are the best and I collect these when fishing in summer.

I fish them right on the bottom on a size 6n hook, using a small Arlesley bomb.

Strike on a full run and be aware that the odd pike will pick up your deadbait, and not small ones either – I’ve had them up to 19lb.

Around here, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to venues with all the match lakes and don’t discount some of the community lakes which are appearing around the country, but make sure you get your day ticket first. The nearest tackle shop to the lake is the best place to enquire.

If the pike and perch trips are not successful, I might just pack the coarse gear away and get my sea fishing beach gear out, as there are some good spring tides approaching.

It’s one form of fishing where you just never know what could take your bait – a little whiting, pouting, small school bass or a 10lb cod.

That’s what makes it such an exciting branch of our sport.

Later, I will tell about the gear I use and how I fish. If any anglers out there want to have a go, I’m more than willing to help.

You can contact me on 07917 772615 or email gerald@ rabeth.co.uk