Colouring-dark greenish brown above, olive green below,and a series of vertical dark bars down the sides The pelvic, anal and lower tail fins are orange red, the other fins a darker greenish brown. except for the spiny dorsal fin, which has a black blotch near its rear end.

The other major feature of the perch are its spines The first dorsal fin has 13-16 strong spines, the second dorsal.the anal, and the pelvic fins, one or two each. A flattened, but stout spine on each gill cover supplements these spines, and even the scales have numerous short spikes on their free edges, giving the perch its characteristic rough feel. Their spiny fins can give a nasty jab if handled carelessly.

Found throughout Britain in lowland river systems, lakes, meres, ponds and gravel pits. The perch prefers man-made structures such as wooden pilings, mooring jetty's and boat houses. They also like to be camouflaged by marginal plants such as bullrushes and reeds.

The perch will take most animal baits, worms, maggots and casters, fishing close to the bottom.They will also take small live or dead fish. Another great way to catch perch is by spinning, using either a spoon or plug.Specimen 2lb or over. Record 5lb 15oz from a Sussex Stillwater 2006.