How to Catch Giant Perch This Winter

Fox Rage has released its latest video featuring Nick Marsh and it offers a detailed look at how to catch giant perch this winter. In the film, Nick heads out once again with the lure rod, fully immersed in a perch-fishing obsession that has dominated his recent months. His success on the drop shot has been consistent, and the Slick Finesse in Wakasagi has continued to be his standout lure. Subtle, natural and hugely effective, it is a perfect choice for anglers wanting to learn how to target specimen perch through the coldest months.

Why Winter Is Prime Time for Big Perch

The video highlights winter as one of the best seasons for tracking down truly big perch. As temperatures drop, fish begin to group tightly, offering fewer small fish but a higher chance of connecting with a specimen. In this session, Nick leaves behind reliable hotspots to explore new water, focusing not on numbers but on locating that one winter giant every angler dreams about.

Using Search Lures to Cover Water

Nick emphasises the importance of search lures in cold conditions. Slick Shads form the backbone of his approach, with Green Pumpkin and Wagasagi proving consistently productive. Both colours are fished on 7 cm bodies with 3 g to 5 g jig heads, allowing him to fish low and fast, which is essential when chasing big perch holding close to the riverbed in winter.

Locating the Right Winter Perch Spots

The video shows Nick reading the river carefully. Small tributaries can shift quickly between shallow glides and sudden 5 foot holes, and those deeper pockets often hold the perch. He moves steadily from swim to swim, occasionally switching to a Ned rig to dissect promising areas. With fallen leaves carpeting the bottom, working shads slightly above the debris helps maintain presentation and avoid snags.

Small Tackle Tweaks That Matter

With falling temperatures and fresh rain colouring the water, Nick adjusts his setup. He increases his leader strength slightly but remains open to switching back to a finer 6 lb line if bites are slow. Small tackle changes can make a real difference in winter when perch can be finicky.

Why Travelling Light Leads to Big Fish

A core message of the video is the importance of mobility. Perch rarely spread evenly along a stretch, so Nick carries only a light bag and a couple of compact lure boxes. Travelling light keeps him mobile and maximises the number of swims he can explore, increasing the chances of finding a winter shoal.

Signs of Success on the River

Eventually, after covering a long stretch, Nick finds perch. One fish slips off at the net, but the next stays on. This success comes after switching to a small jig head and a 7 cm Green Pumpkin Slick Shad. Scaling down is a classic winter move and often converts hesitant winter bites into confident takes.

The Bream Team!

Nick also highlights an interesting pattern: perch often sit close to bream shoals in winter. This session proves the point once again as working a lure through the bream produces an immediate perch strike.

Dusk: The Prime Time for Winter Giants

As the light fades, Nick slows things down with a Ned rig. The last half hour of daylight is prime time for winter perch, and the takes come quickly. First a smaller fish, then a better one as the shoal switches on.

Landing the Winter Giant

Then comes the moment the entire session has been building toward: a heavy, unmistakable perch bite. After a tense battle, a thick, beautifully marked giant slides into the net. At around 45 cm long and roughly 4 lb, it is a proper winter perch and the perfect reward for miles of walking and relentless searching.

Simple, Effective Winter Perch Tactics

The Fox Rage video ends with Nick reinforcing a simple rule for anyone learning how to catch giant perch this winter. Keep your tactics straightforward. Slick Shads, small creature baits, spiky shads and the drop shot are all you need. Stick to natural colours like Wakasagi, stay mobile and once you find fish, slow down and work the area carefully.

With rivers improving and temperatures continuing to fall, winter is the ultimate season for hunting specimen perch and this latest Fox Rage film shows exactly how to make the most of it.