What hooks for BIG PERCH?

[Tim Kelly]

If the hooks you're using aren't straightening out I can't really see how the hooks are the problem. Try a bigger size and hauling the perch in quicker. the longer you let them swim about the bigger hole they will get in their mouths and the more chance there is of the hook dropping out.

[sam-cox]

The hooks are not straightening, the fish have to have their heads lifted over a band of weed before being netted. Its only on the worm baits that Im having them fall off just before the net.

[Tim Kelly]

Try a bigger sized hook then.

[sam-cox]

Im using size six drenan supers, I have read that perch anglers use up to size 6 but I havnt heard that they use anything larger.

[Tim Kelly]

I doubt the perch have read that. If something isn't working, try to change things until it does.

 

If it makes you feel better I expect Owner size 6 hooks would be bigger than drennan size 6 hooks.

 

By the way, I have caught loads of perch on hooks up to 5/0 using lures.

[sam-cox]

nice fish Time,

 

We have only been five times, yesterday we had a two 1.5lb 0ne 2lb, one 2.6, one 2.8, one 2.5 and a 2.15 not bad considering we are all bass anglers suffering with cold turkey.lol

 

Im going tomurow at 6.30am.

Edited February 12, 2006 by sam-cox

[Steve Burke]

Sam, I agree with Tim about trying a bigger hook, although for bait fishing I won't go above a size 2.

 

However, there are many reasons for the hook falling out. It may be that your rod is too stiff - if the hook lodges in the very thin membrane behind the lip of the perch you're much more likely to get a hook pull.

 

You may need to change your rig to reduce the resistance, perhaps by using a heavier weight if you're ledgering or by increasing how far the lead is away from the hook. If you're not already doing so it would be worth trying float fishing if feasible. For more on perch fishing see my articles, especially the one on commercial carp fisheries at http://anglers-net.co.uk/authors/introsteve.htm

 

It may simply be that you're mistiming the strike. Having said that, delaying the strike can result in deep-hooking, which it's particularly important to avoid with perch as it can result in their death, but I expect you know that already.

[sam-cox]

Hi guys, we caught lots of perch today to just shy of 2lb, we had 5 fish over 1lb and many half pounders.

Again I lost a very good perch, it ran into the middle of the canal and breached the surface. I lost it playing it back to the swim. That was lost on a size 8 drenan specimin, after that I changed to a Cox & Rawle size 6 aberdeen, but only had fish to just over a pound.

All fish were on live roach of around 2 to 3 inches.

[Dick Dastardly]

I like my old Partrigge "Jack Hilton" (Z2's?) in sizes 8-4 dependant on bait/bait size.Never had a problem with them.As Steve says I would be more inclined to look at your rod.

 

Tims right about big hooks on lures but remember big lures dont usualy end up inside the Perch's throat.Due to the placement of a Perch's vital organs and the depth of penetration of a large single(Another well discussed subject!) I (although I would like to with some baits) dont go above a #4.

 

On the subject of bait size,when I first tried for perch on lives I used small 2" ish baits but Im now a firm believer that 4-5" are best.

 

Sam I really rate the Cox&Rawle Uptide Extras for Catfish but havnt tried their other hooks for coarse fishing.

 

Several people have spoke about using Aberdeen pattern hooks.Ive not tried these for Perch. What do you like about them and why?

Edited February 13, 2006 by BUDGIE

[Steve Burke]

Several people have spoke about using Aberdeen pattern hooks.Ive not tried these for Perch. What do you like about them and why?

 

Aberdeens are fine in the wire and eyed. Most other fine wire hooks are spade end, and I find them difficult to tie due to my fingers not working properly.

 

They're plenty strong enough - indeed I've landed carp of 25lb on a size 6 Aberdeen and 8lb line. The 4.4lb line I typically use for perch will break way before the hook does, and so stronger hooks are just a waste of metal.

 

Sometimes the long shank of an Aberdeen is helpful, at other times it just adds weight. I gather Kamasan now do a somewhat shorter shank version of their B940 Aberdeen. Unfortunately, the smallest size is a 4 rather than a 6. I may give it a go though.