perch

[mw87]

hello all,i plan on doing quite alot of perch fishing this winter with live/deadbaits,but were i fish there are quite alot of big pike,so what im after is a rod that is sutible for legering perch baits but could also handle a big pike if it came along.i thinking a barble rod might be what im after or maybe a specialist zander rod. many thanks

[Dick Dastardly]

Rather than worrying what rod to use I would have thought your real dilema would have been whether to use wire or not?

[mw87]

Rather than worrying what rod to use I would have thought your real dilema would have been whether to use wire or not?

of course you use a wire trace if you find the right stuff i dont find it has any affect on the perch taking the bait.

[Newt]

Hi mw87 and welcome.

 

I think the key for you will be to make sure the rod will handle the weight you intend to use (bait + lead + other bits) for the distance you will be casting.

 

The reality with modern rods is that the rod will almost always be up to playing and landing the fish. A lighter rod might not allow you to land a large pike quickly but unless you are fishing where you need to be able to stop a large fish (snags, heavy weed, etc.) in a hurry, any rod that will cast your rig should be more than adequate for the fish.

 

It's good to hear that you already knew about needing wire when there are pike around. You'd be amazed at how many folks post on here and do not think they need wire.

 

I expect that some of the perch gurus will be on in the morning (well, later today in your time zone) to give more specific advice.

[DrClaw]

I used a fox 30lb wire trace last weekend and caught a few perch, most people I have spoken to also use wire when fishing for perch with pike around. I don't think it makes a difference to the perch, just covers you if something bigger wants a go..

[Anderoo]

I think the key for you will be to make sure the rod will handle the weight you intend to use (bait + lead + other bits) for the distance you will be casting.

 

The reality with modern rods is that the rod will almost always be up to playing and landing the fish. A lighter rod might not allow you to land a large pike quickly but unless you are fishing where you need to be able to stop a large fish (snags, heavy weed, etc.) in a hurry, any rod that will cast your rig should be more than adequate for the fish.

 

Absolutely Newt. For a good all-round rod I suggest an avon or barbel-type rod with a tc of about 1 1/2lb and a nice through action. If you're not casting huge distances (which is likely when perch fishing) this will be plenty man enough to land any pike you're likely to encounter.

 

I also agree that the real problem is the wire. Let us know how you get on!

[mw87]

Absolutely Newt. For a good all-round rod I suggest an avon or barbel-type rod with a tc of about 1 1/2lb and a nice through action. If you're not casting huge distances (which is likely when perch fishing) this will be plenty man enough to land any pike you're likely to encounter.

 

I also agree that the real problem is the wire. Let us know how you get on!

thanks for all the replys,i have a avon 1 1/4 rod which i have been using and after reading some old posts will carry on using.iv been using Surflon Micro Supreme as my perch trace wire easily the but trace material iv ever used.ill be out bright and early sunday morning on my local river wensum.so will let you all know how i get on

[Newt]

Some photos would be great. Good luck to you.

[Steve Burke]

An Avon rod will deal with surprisingly big pike and carp. As Newt said the main reason for needing a heavier test curve when piking is to be able to cast the heavier baits. The problem then is that the stiffer tip may result in hook pulls, especially if the hook lodges in the wafer-thin membrane behind the lip of the perch. Avon rods on the other hand may not be up to casting big baits on a rig that needs a heavy lead.

 

There was nothing on the market that was perfect and so I had to design my own, called the Fledger. This is custom-built on British blanks and so at £129.99 isn't cheap. PM me though if you want further details.

 

Surflon Micro Supreme is an excellent choice of wire. However in my experience wire of any kind will dramically cut the number of perch you catch on the vast majority of waters.

 

You'll find a number of my perch articles that'll hopefully be of help at http://anglers-net.co.uk/authors/introsteve.htm

 

Good luck and be sure to let us know how you get on!

[mw87]

thanks for that steve,i read your articles before but got resist reading them again (great read).The rod is a bit out of my price rander at the moment but will keep it in mind.Also steve have you ever had any good catches on frozen dead bait,iv never properly with with them for perch so just wondered your view on them. many thanks