Spinner-Flies

[Steve Burke]

Several writers have recommended a steady retrieve for perch, even though they don't for pike. Partly this is just copying previous advice without testing it themselves - something that's very common, especially with perch fishing! It's probably also because those who lure fish for perch commonly use bar spinners.

 

I agree that bar spinners are usually best with a stready retrieve. However, with nearly all other lures, including jigs, I find an erratic retrieve better for perch - in fact more so than for pike. It's often forgotten that a perch's fin arrangement makes it very manoeuvrable, especially compared with a pike's.

 

I've used Newt's bobber method myself, and also used flies and tiny jigs trotted and held back on flowing water.

[SteveP]

Excellent advice, thanks Steve.

 

I had been considering using these tiny jigs and flies with a float on the river as part of an ultralight campaign this season - I will definately give it a go now, you never know - the Grayling might even show an interest with flies?

(Would this technically count as fly fishing or lure fising if you are using a light lure rod?)

 

Thanks again

Steve

[Tony U]

"I've used Newt's bobber method myself, and also used flies and tiny jigs trotted and held back on flowing water."

I have used flies with great success for Perch (though not always intentionally, My biggest ever 3lb 14oz came from Walton Trout Fishery on a black Dog Nobbler, I was of course targetting it, heheh.