He told us “on a recent perch fishing trip to a large reservoir, I quickly got out to marks and areas where I’d seen fish on previous sessions. Doing so before any 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 on the day. I find that the first few casts on ‘fresh’ fish usually sees them respond, and this occasion 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, with the fish just grabbing at 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 relatively small size 8 hook.

As I lifted the bait, I added subtle vibrations through the rod, then allowed it to free 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 received 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, and thankfully the fish soon surfaced where it was scooped into the waiting net.

My initial glance at it told me the perch was a decent four-pounder, with it not particularly long at 48cm. However, when I lifted the net into the boat, the perch’s sheer size became apparent. Its width 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 completely gobsmacked and said to my boat partner, Andy, that it was his turn – I didn’t care if I caught another dish that day.”

Well done Ryan!