Catch fish with Mike Ladle.

Catch Fish with
Mike Ladle

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For anyone unfamiliar with the site always check the FRESHWATER, SALTWATER and TACK-TICS pages. The Saltwater page now extends back as a record of over four years of (mostly) sea fishing and may be a useful guide as to when to fish. The Freshwater stuff is also up to date now. I keep adding to both. These pages are effectively my diary and the latest will usually be about fishing in the previous day or two. The Tactics pages which are chiefly 'how I do it' plus a bit of science are also updated regularly and (I think) worth a read (the earlier ones are mostly tackle and 'how to do it' stuff so if you are new to fly fishing or spinning these are the ones for you).

28 July 2009.

Livebaits and circle hooks.

Having caught a few decent perch on my last trip to the river I decided to make the effort and catch a few baits with a view to tempting an even bigger perch. It took me a while to get a few small dace and roach but eventually I managed it and drove downstream to my prospective perching spot.

The first four places that I tried produced nothing at all then I came to a nice hole under some tree roots. It must have been two metres deep just under my feet - very deep considering the low water conditions of the river. Down went the bait and immediately there was a sharp knock on the rod tip followed by a steady pull. I tightened the line and found myself attached to a reasonable perch. I leaned down and unhooked my catch while it was still in the water by using the pliers. On went another bait and I lowered it down again - nothing. Clearly they were very wary. I reeled in and as I did so the bait was followed up by a huge chub. Just like the big bass I saw this week I scared the chub and it departed a rate of knots.

I returned to the top of the stretch where I had started. It was hot, sunny and uncomfortable in my 'anti-nettle' waders so I wasn't too happy. I baited up and tried again. At once I was into a perch, then another and another. None of the fish were large, mostly about a pound, but all in mint condition. I had soon used up my small supply of baits and when the last fish managed somehow to engulf the circle hook (I removed it without too much trouble) I decided it was time to pack in and go home for a cool drink.

The rig.

A very simple set up.  A paternoster with a small circle hook to 15lb wire.

Not intended.

Unusually this perch was hooked inside the mouth.