Whilst fishing a gin clear midlands stillwater with his brother, Phil Rust spotted a decent fish over a clear spot, which he initially assumed to be a carp. However, on closer inspection, he realised it was a colossal perch!
Rushing back to the bank, the Pole Position Tackle consultant quickly set up a rig incorporating a light lead, fluorocarbon hooklink and a large hook, on which he impaled a few worms. Casting to the spot, within five minutes his rod roared off, and he lifted into a fish that he initially guessed might be a carp - such was its power.
However, it wasn’t long that he felt the distinct head shakes of a big perch, and over the next five minutes a momentous fight played out. Phil would gain on the fish, but the perch would take it right back, pulling line from the clutch.
Eventually, it lay in the net, and at this point, Phil and his brother James looked at each other in awe. Neither are strangers to big fish – James is a former holder of the British Record bream – bit both were spellbound by the perch.
On the scales, it weighed a huge 5lb 10oz, and is a fish that, come the end of the season, will surely be pushing the British Record.
LURE FISHING IS GREAT FOR PERCH, CHEKC OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE FOR THE BEST LURE RODS TO USE.
