Perch record gone?

[Dales]

Is it only me or does it seem a tad wrong to claim records from fish that are clearly full of spawn because in a few weeks that fish will weigh a fair few onces less , and whats more is it gonna encourage some anglers to actually target spawning fish just to get those extra onces on the scales .

Some anglers might only make the visit to stream valley at this time next year as its gonna be the only way to catch it at 1oz heavier .

I may be being unfair here and dont mean to undermine what is clearly a magnificent catch and lovely fish

 

I suppose if you jumped from one species to another and only fished for a certain species at spawning time then after shot off within days on to the next spawn bound fish it might be a little dodgy, but I think most anglers have an interest in certain species and fish for them over a long period of time and it just happens that some will get caught towards spawning time.

 

I don't see anything wrong with claiming a spawn bound fish, but I do see where you are coming from on this.

[Steve Burke]

Firstly, congratulations to the captor! I've known about the prospects there for a long time but prefer to find my own fish, so won't be fishing the water.

 

Secondly, most fish start producing spawn way before spawning time, often from autumn onwards. So if we take this to the logical conclusion no record fish should be claimed for several months of the year.

 

By the way, in my experience, both as an angler and more importantly as a fishery manager, it's not before spawning that the fish are vulnerable but immediately afterwards when they're in a weakened state. This varies from species to species and some seem to recover very quickly.

 

The most vulnerable are big bream, which is why I close the Coarse Lake at Wingham if this period (usually early June) coincides with very hot weather.

[tony tinca]

Firstly, congratulations to the captor! I've known about the prospects there for a long time but prefer to find my own fish, so won't be fishing the water.

 

Secondly, most fish start producing spawn way before spawning time, often from autumn onwards. So if we take this to the logical conclusion no record fish should be claimed for several months of the year.

 

By the way, in my experience, both as an angler and more importantly as a fishery manager, it's not before spawning that the fish are vulnerable but immediately afterwards when they're in a weakened state. This varies from species to species and some seem to recover very quickly.

 

The most vulnerable are big bream, which is why I close the Coarse Lake at Wingham if this period (usually early June) coincides with very hot weather.

 

I didnt know those facts but interesting to learn and good to know that its not as bad for the fish as i thought , although i did know bream have always been slower to recover so also good to know you run a tight ship with fish welfare being paramount , good stuff

[Andy Macfarlane]

What about a fish with a belly full of food?? Is that any less of a fish??

 

That's a terrible picture though. You can really see the size of the thing because it's been held out towards the camera. No sense of scale at all.

[Vagabond]

How long before someone gives it a name. Then the circus will descend on stream valley trying to catch it 1oz bigger than last time. Before it dies.

Sour grapes???

 

Much the same was said when the previous "record" perch (possibly the same fish?) was caught a couple of years or so ago from the same venue.

 

All without knowing the facts.

 

There was no "circus" then, nor do I expect there to be this time.

 

The owner restricts the number of tickets issued - and the regulars have the places well booked up. He also operates his own "close season" when fish are spawning/recovering from spawning - just like Steve Burke does. There is a constant bailiff presence to ensure the welfare of the fish.

 

This is a very well-run fishery - which is why (if it IS the same fish) this big perch is still alive years after becoming a "record"

 

The fishery is about a mile or so from my home, and I have fished it since before the lakes existed (I fished the stream for trout). After the lakes were dug the complex was a local club water before the then owner got p***ed off with the litter problem.

 

It is so easy to denigrate someone else's fish. Shame on those that do.

 

This is a magnificent perch - well done to the captor.

[Andy Macfarlane]

Denigrate.....word of the day from Vagabond. He's like a walking dictionary.

[Chris Plumb]

Denigrate.....word of the day from Vagabond. He's like a walking dictionary.

 

 

Probably why he writes the Crossword for Waterlog!

 

 

C.

[Vagabond]

Denigrate.....word of the day from Vagabond. He's like a walking dictionary.

 

...and now Chris has let the cat out of the bag, I have to admit to being a cruciverbalist also.

[Steve Burke]

This is a very well-run fishery - which is why (if it IS the same fish) this big perch is still alive years after becoming a "record"

 

The fishery is about a mile or so from my home, and I have fished it since before the lakes existed (I fished the stream for trout). After the lakes were dug the complex was a local club water before the then owner got p***ed off with the litter problem.

 

As I've just said to the reporter who phoned me from the Angling Times, if it's the same fish it's a credit to both the owner and those who fish the venue.

[Andy Macfarlane]

I have to admit to being a cruciverbalist also.

 

You have sex with what???