Nick Chaplin

I remember gazing at my first ever "rod caught" perch way back in 1967 and from that moment I was an angler, not a "fisherman" an angler and always would be!  This was all because of that bristling spikey little creature, no more than 12 ounces, but a true monster to me! I shall never forget the the vivid colours of gold, green, black and red and marvelled at the thought of such wondrous fish swimming in my tiny local brook!  Years moved on and eventually I had an absolute passion for carp fishing and in truth I still have.  

Something niggled away at me to give this craze of drop shotting and jig fishing for the mighty perch a try. On my first trip out, and I bagged a 2.02 stunning perch, by jigging a small rubber lure.  My "childhood perch" memories came flooding back to me and this all happened on the very same little river!!  I am now obsessed with this wonderful form of predator fishing.  The joy of wandering on uncrowded waters with a rod, a small bag and a landing net has proved to be the most exciting fishing I have experienced in many years. Every time my lure lands on the right spot, my heart starts pumping, thinking a big old stripey may attack at any time and recently, I'm pleased to say this has been the case!  Since late September this year, myself and long term fishing and family friend Andy Upson have caught 24 beautiful perch over a pound, 10 which were over 2 pounds and a "river caught" PB for me at 3.04.  The majority of these have been caught on jigged and drop shotting Gunki soft lures.  

Fishing is limited to very short sessions, I have learned so much about the art of the above methods, it would be an absolute pleasure to give help and advice to any newcomers to the sport, or to seasoned "perchers" seeking some extra tips!

 

Most memorable session: Held the Essex record for many years back in 1975

Fav fishing style: Jigging 

Fav Lure: I like them all but I always start with a 2" Motoroil Grubby Gun

Fav rods: Gunki Iron T S 210ML