Winter River Perch – the hunt continues

As winter sets in and the waters begin to chill, my enthusiasm for fishing remains as high as ever. Armed with my trusty Westin drop-shot rod and my favorite soft bait, the Easy Shinner, I decided to venture out on the river in search of winter river perch.

As I navigated the familiar fishing spots, I focused on the usual haunts—the snags, the slack water around boats, and the deeper bends of the river. Each location yielded plenty of smaller perch, providing a flurry of action that kept me on my toes. However, I was holding out for something bigger, something that would give me a real fight.

On my way home, I decided to take one last chance. A tree that loomed over the water caught my eye, its branches dipping low into the current. With a flick of my wrist, I cast my line beneath the drooping limbs, the Easy Shinner sinking beneath the surface. Almost instantly, I felt a tug—a strong, determined pull. Adrenaline surged as a substantial fish raced away, darting towards the deeper water.

The battle was on. This wasn’t just any perch; it was a powerful contender, pulling hard against the current. My heart raced as I fought to reel it in, careful not to lose this one. Each moment felt electrifying, and after what seemed like an eternity, I finally managed to coax the fish into view. As it broke the surface, I could see it was a beautiful perch, shimmering even in the murky water, and when I hoisted it up, I was thrilled to confirm it weighed in at 1.8 lbs!

What a catch to end the day! There’s something uniquely satisfying about landing a good fish during the colder months when many would shy away from the water. It reaffirmed my love for winter fishing and reminded me of the thrill that comes from every cast and every moment spent on the river.

Until the next adventure, tight lines and happy fishing!