Daiwa's Ryan Hayden is no stranger to big fish, having caught some cracking specimens of all species in the last few seasons, but his most recent capture of this spectacular perch is one of his favourite to date.
“On a recent perch fishing trip to a large reservoir, I got out to marks and areas where I’d seen fish on previous sessions at the venue.
“Doing so before other boats had been key to success before, so I made sure to be the first to put a lure in front of the fish. I find that the first few casts to ‘fresh’ perch usually make them respond, and this day was no different. I cast out a Carolina rig, presenting a soft plastic lure along the bottom, and had an instant bite. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect – the fish just grabbed the lure’s tail.
“Although pleased to have had a response, over the next hour I couldn’t tempt another strike from the small pod of fish. They had become inactive and were reluctant even to follow the lure.
“So, I made a quick change to a lighter drop shot rod and began to work the area as slowly as I could with a tiny 5.5cm BloodTeez lure, which imitates a small worm. This was mounted on a size 8 hook.
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“As I lifted the bait, I added subtle vibrations through the rod, then allowed it to fall for six inches. My plan was to repeat this, covering the area inch by inch, dragging the weight across the deck.
“After 10 minutes, I got my second chance! A solid tap on the rod-tip was met with a firm strike, and the rod hooped over.
“I was immediately into a ‘tug of war’ with what felt a huge fish. It made powerful runs for the mussel beds which forced me to tighten the drag, but thankfully the fish soon surfaced, and it was scooped into the waiting net.
“Initially I thought it was a decent four-pounder, as it was not particularly long at just 48cm.
“However, when I lifted the net into the boat, the perch’s sheer size became apparent. Its girth was unbelievable and, on the scales, the needle quickly swung past the 5lb mark and settled on 5lb 8oz – a new PB by 4oz.
“I was gobsmacked, and said to my boat partner, Andy, that it was his turn – I didn’t care whether or not I caught another fish that day.”
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