Drennan’s Sean Trafford – an experienced carp angler – decided to turn his hand to some specimen Perch fishing with the onset of cold weather, and this stripy beauty was the result!

Sean fished an Oxfordshire Stillwater and despite a sharp frost, set out at dawn to target big Perch by design. Setting up an IM9 Classic 13ft float & FD 4000 reel with 6lb Supplex straight through to a simple float rig, Sean fed and fished a marginal area close to overhanging trees. He used a 2½ Swan Loafer to a size 8 Kamasan B983 hook baited with Lobworm over loosefed chopped Lobs, Dendras and red maggot.

Plainly Sean got his strategy dead right, as during the day he landed 5 x 1lb+ Perch, 8 over 2lb, and this gorgeous 3lb 4oz cracker – setting a new personal best in the process! Good angling!

“This was the first time I’d used an IM9 and it was absolutely perfect for the job.” Sean told us. For full details on the rod click here.