All-rounder John Merritt was hoping to catch a 4lb perch this year, having missed out narrowly in the past. And, targeting a southern stillwater where he’d had a few ‘threes’ previously, he was optimistic about his prospects of catching something special.
After making an early start to his latest session, he cast out a small livebait on a paternoster rig, and had a take just after first light. Lifting into the fish, John thought right away that it could be a big perch from its distinctive fight. As it rose in the water and flanked– allowing him to get a glimpse – his thoughts were confirmed and, once it was in the net, he knew he’d got his four-pounder.
But when the scales span round to a whopping 5lb 4oz, John was gobsmacked. A quick call was then made to a local friend, who popped down to take the pictures of a fish that John said he feels privileged to have landed and one that he’ll struggle to ever beat.
LURE FISHING IS A GREAT WAY OF CATCHING PERCH, OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST PERCH FISHING LURES HAS SOME BRILLIANT OPTIONS TO TRY.
This page is a free example of the amazing content Angling Times Members get every single week. Becoming an Angling Times Member gives you access to award-winning magazine content, member rewards, our back issue archives, bonus content and more! Join our fishing community and find out more today!