Perch

Getting started

Your first try for perch

One recommended starting point: worm and float from shore or from a boat. More methods are listed under “How to fish”.

1. 1. Place and time

   • Perch like structure and changes in depth, such as drop-offs, shallows and the tops of shoals.2,3,4,5Sources×Fishing tip confirmed by 4 independent sources of experience · Applies to all regions2OrganisationNorges Jeger- og FiskerforbundAbbor3ExperienceHooked.noHvordan fiske abbor på isen?4ExperienceHooked.noHvordan fiske abbor – art nummer 10 / 525ExperienceJakt & FiskeVarier pimpelfisket – få større abborAll sources on this page
   • Best in Feb–Mar and Jun–Oct.

2. 2. Tackle

   Float

   A sensitive float, preferably a slim antenna float, instead of the classic red-and-white one.6Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions6ExperienceHooked.noMeite etter abborAll sources on this page

   Hook

   Match the size to the fish: small fish, small hook and small worm.7Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions7ExperienceHooked.noAbbor (Fiskepedia)All sources on this page

   Bait

   Earthworms or maggots. Dew worms (lobworms) may be the very best.6Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions6ExperienceHooked.noMeite etter abborAll sources on this page

3. 3. Rig up: worm and float

   1. 1Main line. The line from the reel.8Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions8ExperienceFiske365Hvordan fiske med duppAll sources on this page
   2. 2Float. Shows when the fish bites. The float must match the weight hanging below it, otherwise it sinks or shows the bites poorly.8Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions8ExperienceFiske365Hvordan fiske med duppAll sources on this page
   3. 3Split shot. Small split shot pinched onto the line between the float and the hook.6Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions6ExperienceHooked.noMeite etter abborAll sources on this page
   4. 4Hook with bait. A small hook and a small worm for small fish.7Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions7ExperienceHooked.noAbbor (Fiskepedia)All sources on this page

   How to assemble it

   • →Attach the float to the line. The length from the float down to the hook decides how deep the bait goes.8Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions8ExperienceFiske365Hvordan fiske med duppAll sources on this page
   • →Pinch on split shot until only the tip of the float is visible. The fish then feels as little resistance as possible, and you see the bites better.6Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions6ExperienceHooked.noMeite etter abborAll sources on this page
   • →Thread the worm onto the hook so that it hides the hook as well as possible.8Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions8ExperienceFiske365Hvordan fiske med duppAll sources on this page

4. 4. How to do it

   • →Worm and float is a classic and simple method for perch.1Source×Fishing tip from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page
   • →Adjust the depth: start with the bait near the bottom, and try higher in the water if nothing bites.4,6,9Sources×Fishing tip confirmed by 3 independent sources of experience · Applies to all regions4ExperienceHooked.noHvordan fiske abbor – art nummer 10 / 526ExperienceHooked.noMeite etter abbor9ExperienceFluefiske.infoGenerelle tips til isfiskeAll sources on this page
   • →Weight the float down so that only the tip shows. The perch then feels minimal resistance, and you see the bites better.6Source×Tackle advice from a source of experience · Applies to all regions6ExperienceHooked.noMeite etter abborAll sources on this page

Where

Where to find perch

Technique and tackle

How to fish for perch

When

Season and time of day

• →You can fish for perch from spring until well into autumn, and through the ice in winter.4,12,15Sources×Fishing tip confirmed by 3 independent sources of experience · Applies to all regions4ExperienceHooked.noHvordan fiske abbor – art nummer 10 / 5212ExperienceSvenskt FiskeAbborrfiske – lär dig grunderna15ExperienceSportsfiskerneAbborfiske i ferskvannAll sources on this page

About the fish

Identification and life history

Identification

• →Easy to recognise by its two dorsal fins. The whole of the front dorsal fin has strong spiny rays.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page
• →Usually has 5–6 dark vertical bars on the side of the body, yellowish pectoral fins and reddish pelvic fins. The base colour is green or brown and varies greatly with the habitat.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page

Size

• →In small lakes and ponds where perch are the only fish species, they rarely grow larger than 13–14 cm. Such populations are often called “tusenbrødre” (“thousand brothers”).1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page
• →Where it lives alongside other species and can hunt small fish, it grows faster and can reach 2 kg in favourable conditions. In very rare cases it grows to over 50 cm and 4 kg.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page
• →The females grow considerably larger than the males.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page

Diet

• →Lives first on zooplankton and then on bottom-dwelling animals, especially insect larvae, near the shore. Large perch are predators and often cannibals.1Source×Fact from a specialist source · Applies to all regions1EncyclopediaStore norske leksikonabborAll sources on this page

Experiences

Tips from people who have fished for perch

Sources

What this page is based on

The numbers in the text refer to the sources below. Fishing tips must be confirmed by at least three independent sources. Read about our source requirements.