fbpx

Stay in Touch - Join us on Instagram

Ash Costa - how to catch perch in thick weed

How to Effectively Fish for Perch In Heavy Weed

As the seasons change and temperatures begin to drop, many anglers who spent the summer targeting other species shift their focus to predator fishing. Perch, however, have remained a priority for some anglers throughout spring and summer. Those who’ve been targeting perch during this time will already be familiar with the challenges posed by weed growth. We’re currently in a transitional period—temperatures are cooling, yet many waters still have dense weed cover. In this article, I’ll share some of my techniques on how I fish for perch in heavy weed..

Understanding the Challenge

Perch are notorious for avoiding intense light, so they tend to stay hidden under weed beds or near shaded areas. One of the most difficult situations is dealing with heavy duckweed, which can cover entire water bodies, making traditional fishing methods ineffective. In these conditions, it’s crucial to keep your bait where the fish are feeding—right below the weed mat, not on the bottom.

Ash Costa - fish for perch in heavy weed
An example of how bad things can get on the fen drains with regards to the weed!

The Technique: Modified Neko Rig

One of the most effective rigs for this situation is a modified Neko rig, adapted to penetrate and fish through dense duckweed. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Select the Right Bait: Use a 10 cm Gunky Kiddy paired with a 3.1g nail weight. The size of the lure and the weight are crucial for getting through thick duckweed.
  2. Insert the Nail Weight: Push the nail weight into the head of the lure, keeping it as straight as possible.
  3. Add a Screw Lock: Place a tiny screw lock just behind the nail weight. This helps secure the bait and reduces the chances of losing it during casting or retrieval.
  4. Hook Placement: Use a size 8 hook, threading it through the soft plastic and the eye of the screw lock. This setup allows the bait to stay intact even after multiple casts.
Here you can see perch sat under the weed using it as cover.

Fishing Technique

Once your rig is ready, cast it onto the duckweed surface. Instead of letting it sink straight to the bottom, gently shake the rod tip to allow the lure to slowly work its way through the weed. The key is to keep the bait just below the weed mat, where perch are likely hunting for fry that are trapped in the thick cover.

Perch often herd small fish like roach or skimmers against the duckweed, making them easy prey. You can spot areas where perch are active by looking for small silverfish floundering on top of the weed.

A unique hooking presentation of the Gunki KIddy to battle the weed.
Ash Costa - fish for perch in heavy weed
A 4lb+ fenland perch caught from fishing in and around thick weed.

Why the Modified Neko Rig Works

The exposed hook in the Neko rig might seem counterintuitive when fishing through weed, but it actually works to your advantage. As you shake the rod tip, the angle of the hook helps it act as a weed guard, minimizing the chances of getting snagged. The small size 8 hook improves your hookup rate, even in dense cover.

Bait Options

While the Gunky Kiddy is effective, having a variety of baits can help you adapt to different thicknesses of duckweed. For lighter cover, you might use a 0.9g weight, paired with a thinner bait like the Illex Yammy Fish. For heavier cover, consider using a thicker bait like a skip worm, which can accommodate multiple weights for better penetration and more effectively fish for perch in heavy weed.

Alternative Search Baits

If you’re having trouble locating perch, consider using a search bait like the Gunky Shocker Vibe. This tailspin lure can break through duckweed and maintain some level of attraction even when partially covered in weed. The key is to keep shaking the rod tip to shed any weed that gets caught on the lure.

Final Tips

Duckweed-covered waters can seem unfishable at first glance, but with the right technique, you can effectively target perch hiding beneath the surface. Remember, perch feel safe under weed mats, making them easier to catch when you locate them.

Share this article
Ash Costa
Ash Costa

Predator Fishing Expert Contributor with a strong focus on searching out specimen perch and pike. Ash is sponsored by Gunki and Predator Tackle.