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 small carp. However, on closer inspection, he realised it was a colossal perch!
Rushing back to the bank, he quickly set up a rig incorporating a light lead, fluorocarbon hooklink and a large hook, on which he attached a few worms. He cast to the spot and 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 before 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, causing the clutch to sing out. Eventually, the fish 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 – but 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.
Well done Phil!