Perch (Perca fluvialtilis)

Specimen weight: 1.2 kg (2.646 lb).
Record weight: 5lb 8oz Lough Erne. 1946

Gary Doyle with a 3 lb 6 oz perch from the River Barrow, February 2003

The lively perch with its bright green livery and vibrrant red fins is one the best loved fish species.

Features:
Perch are easily identified by their olive green colour and the distinctive vertical black stripes on their flanks. The pectoral, pelvic and tail fin are reddish in colour.

Spawning:
Perch can mature at two years of age. Spawning takes place in early April to mid May on aquatic weeds or submerged bushes or tree branches. Egg size is 2-2.5 mm.

Fecundity:
Number of eggs produced per adult is c. 45,000 eggs/kg. Longevity (age): Perch live for about 12 years.

Diet:
Perch are fish-eaters but they also feed on aquatic insects.

Best Angling Methods:
Float fishing, ledgering and spinning.

Best Baits:
Maggots, worms, casters, a selection of small spinners, spoons and plugs and occasionally small dead fish for big specimens.