When we all reminisce about our first fish, most freshwater anglers will say that the perch was their first capture. This is because small perch are very easy to catch being ravenous feeders.

Ask the same of the big perch and many anglers will not have caught a perch of a pound or more.

As the perch gets bigger, it also gets wiser. To catch a fish of two pounds-plus takes preparation and skill.

You must be sure that your chosen venue holds fish of the size you are targeting, with this species the size of the venue means very little.

Some of the largest perch caught have come from the smallest of ponds. But get your preparation right and you, like the angler pictured above, will have the thrill of landing one of the hardest fighting fish in our ponds and rivers. Good luck!

If you've got a catch worth showing off you can email wesleyshrubsole@gmail.com