When we think of fishing in Scotland, it’s generally salmon and trout that come to mind. But Scott Jose proved that the country has big potential for predators too by landing this stunning 4lb 4oz perch.
Upon arriving at a large loch in South West Scotland, Andy Waters discovered that the water level had dropped slightly, granting him access to previously unreachable spots. Seizing the opportunity, he waded out to some promising areas and cast out a stickbait. It wasn’t long before his efforts were rewarded, as he soon had the perch he had been targeting safely sulking in his landing net.
"I'd wanted to land a 4lb perch for many years, but never quite got there, despite putting in the effort. I presumed it was never destined to happen," Scott told us.
"I arrived at the loch in SW Scotland at a shallow bay and realised I could wade out and fish the drop-off effectively, just beyond some likely looking lily pads," he added.
"The conditions looked perfect—overcast and humid, with a nice ripple blowing into the bay. I couldn't have asked for better weather."
"My choice of lure was a pink Rapala Finesse Stick Bait, which I fished on the bottom of the ledge, twitching it in a static position. I like to fish 12lb fluorocarbon to 15lb braid with a size 4 hook and a 7-gram weight if the wind isn't too bad," he explained.
"It didn't take too long before I felt a cracking thump on my light drop shot rod. As soon as I hooked the fish, I knew it was big because I couldn't stop it ripping drag off. I thought it was a pike."
"When it hit the surface, it was huge, and I knew it was the 4lb perch I had wanted so badly for years. Sure enough, the scales confirmed it at 4lb 4oz—what a creature!"
WANT TO START LURE FISHING? CHECK OUT OUR BRILLIANT BEGINNERS GUIDE FOR ALL THE TACKLE AND TIPS YOU NEED.
