114 COARSE FISH. 



returning them to the river. All this tends to show 

 that the Thames will again afford good perch-fishing 

 very shortly, although, till quite recently, the fish 

 had become scarce. 



Perch are predacious fish, though they swim in 

 shoals ; they prey upon minnows, gudgeon, 

 and other small fish ; they also take worms 

 freely, and may be sometimes caught with gentles, 

 though I do not recollect ever taking a perch 

 with paste. Ground-baiting, except with worms, is 

 not resorted to, but a few hundred of loose worms 

 in a mill pool or weir will often prove very effective. 

 I have caught some fine perch at Pangbourne Weir 

 when fishing for barbel. They are frequently 

 caught when gudgeon-fishing, also in roach-swims. 

 If roach suddenly go off the feed, it is a good plan to 

 send a big worm down the swim once or twice ; and 

 it often happens that a perch will then be caught, 

 having drawn into the swim, especially when the 

 angler is ground-baiting for roach with worms. 



The perch is a handsome fish, with dark bars or 

 stripes, " hog-backed," with a large prickly dorsal 

 fin, and a second, but much smaller one, between 

 the tail and the larger dorsal. With his strong scales, 

 broad stripes, and highly-coloured fins the perch 

 is indeed an attractive fish, though his big mouth 

 rather spoils his appearance. Although perch are 

 vigorous biters, it is of the utmost importance to 

 give plenty of time before striking ; do not strike 

 at the first bob-bob of the float, but let it sail well 

 iinder. Time must also be allowed when pater- 

 nostering ; in spinning, strike at once. 

 Rod and The eleven-foot rod described in bream- 

 winch fishing (p. 39) will do excellently for perch. 

 Use a Nottingham winch, with an adjustable check ; 



