Description : This species is common in lakes, ponds and slow reaches of rivers, feeding on invertebrates when young and other fish when mature. Instantly recognisable by its separate spiney dorsal fins, olive green stripes and red pelvic and anal fins (often nicknamed "Stripies"). During spawning around April each female lays up to 300 000 eggs in strands over plants. It is common for perch to mature in under one year.

Angling information : The current UK record is 5 lb 9 oz 0 drm, and anything over around 2 lb is considered to be a specimen. The perch is an aggressive feeder, often cannibalistic in nature. While not as tackle shy as many other fish it is not necessary to use oversized line because they are not particularly hard fighting. Small fish, usually float fished for, can be caught on small worms, chopped lobworm, maggot and caster. Larger fish will also take these baits but are often singled out by spinning or live-baiting.

Tip : Use a whole lobworm to target the better fish.