WHERE TO FISH EXTRA
The predator season is coming to an end, but there’s still time to put a personal best stripey in the net before the carp fully wake up and take over the show
WOODSIDE FISHERY, CLEOBURY MORTIMER, SHROPSHIRE
Island and Woodside Pools have hit the headlines thanks to their perch, which run to over 4lb. Plumbing up and looking for around 2ft of water is the key. This depth works because the carp aren’t yet comfortable in it, giving the perch free rein to gorge on any prawns, worms and casters introduced into the shallow margins.
Tel: 07967 750580
VIADUCT FISHERY, SOMERTON, SOMERSET
Cary Lake holds perch to well over 3lb, and fishing either down the margins or just a couple of rodlengths in front is advised, with prawns and lobworms the best hookbaits. The action tends to be best early and late in the day, when the lower light levels trigger a feeding response.
Tel: 01458 274022
MILTON POOLS, OXFORD, OXON
House Pool is home to plenty of perch in the 2lb-3lb bracket. A small feeder or waggler fished 10m out from the bank will score, with bunches of maggots a reliable hookbait. Fire grubs over the top to draw in the silverfish and the predators will soon follow.
Tel: 01844 278150
LINDHOLME LAKES, EPWORTH, NORTH LINCS
Strip Pond used to hold big perch before it was drained and revamped, but they have now been relocated to Beeches. End pegs with reedbed cover are a good bet, and maggots, casters, prawns and worms are all proven baits for fish to over 4lb.
Tel: 01427 875555
FRANT LAKES, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT
Fish the pole at 8m on the Car Park Lakes and you’ll catch plenty of perch around the 1lb mark on worms and casters. If you remain patient, there is every chance a 3lb-plus specimen will eventually gatecrash the party.
Tel: 01892 616424
BADEN HALL, ECCLESHALL, STAFFS
Donut Pool has a solid reputation for perch to 3lb. Expect to find anywhere between 5ft and 8ft of water in front of you, and deliver chopped worms and dead maggots via a dark groundbait to make sure the feed gets to the bottom intact, where the perch will be lurking. Tel: 01785 850313
LLOYDS MEADOW, CHESTER, CHESHIRE
The first few pegs you’ll see as you walk through the gate on to Badger Pool (right) are home to big perch, and fishing close to the nearside features rarely fails. They’re likely to be tucked under cover, waiting to pounce. Regularly feed maggots to draw them out, then present a large worm hookbait over the top.
Tel: 01928 740710
WHITE SPRINGS, SWANSEA
The Old Canal and Old Pit have been merged to create The Big Pit, and the perch that used to live here are still very much present. A 4lb-plus perch is
