PERCHSince appearing here some 10 years ago, Perch have made themselves right at home. Due to the abundant food supply, the Perch are growing rapidly in both size and numbers. Nearing the magic marks of 5 pounds and 50 centimeters, these Perch are strong, scrappy fighters. And, when it comes to photos, few freshwater fish are as photogenic as a fat, colorful Perch. On the Ebro, the activity cycles of Perch closely parallel those of Zander, meaning that the best months for Perch are March/April and the autumn months of September thru November. But Perch are where you find them and the occasional summer Perch is not unusual. Perch behavior differs from that of Zander in three important ways. First, while Zander prefer the bottom, Perch can be found at any depth. (Since Perch are known to follow lures for some distance before striking, one can only guess where he was (or how deep he was) when he first spotted your bait. This makes it almost impossible to “target” Perch. Virtually all strikes from Perch come while fishing for something else.) Second, while Zander most often strike at “falling” baits, Perch are more often attracted to baits moving horizontally, particularly when they speed up. (Many Perch strikes come in those last few feet while the bait in rising quickly toward the boat.) Finally, while Zander are picky and prone to ignore what doesn’t interest them, Perch are voracious and aggressive and will strike anything that moves, from surface lures to bottom-crawling worms and most things in between. |
LIGHT TACKLESince Perch can’t be “targeted”, there is no “right” or “wrong” tackle for Perch fishing. When the Perch strikes, whatever you’re using will have to do. Perch are most enjoyable on light or ultra-light tackle. The problem is, any sub-surface bait dropped in the Ebro could attract a lunker Carp or even a Catfish. Light tackle can be great fun but, but it’s no match for one of the Ebro’s big boys.
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TIPSFinally, if you’re determined to” fish for Perch”, here are a couple of tips. First, try a small, shallow- or medium-running crankbait with rattles and retrieve it quickly, changing direction (left or right) if you can. Zander don’t like the horizontal presentation and the speed and small size will hopefully discourage the Catfish. Of course, you could still hang a big Carp. But that’s what makes fishing interesting. Give it a try . . .
Oh, and wear a bright, colorful shirt . . . .. |