Perch fishing with Slick Shads

Few lures are as popular with perch anglers as the slick shad. These slim, paddle-tailed soft baits are easy to use, look realistic in the water and catch fish in rivers, canals and stillwaters throughout the season. Whether you are new to lure fishing or a seasoned perch hunter, a few shads in your box are well worth having.

Why Slick Shads Work

Perch feed heavily on small fish such as roach and fry, and a slick shad imitates that prey perfectly. The tail gives off a gentle vibration as it moves through the water, which perch can detect even in coloured conditions. Shads are also very versatile and can be fished at any depth.

Choosing Your Shad

Size: 5 to 8cm shads are ideal for most perch fishing. Go smaller when the fish are cautious and larger when hunting a big one.
Colour: natural silver and roach patterns suit clear water, while bright chartreuse or lemon tiger can stand out in murky conditions.
Jighead weight: use the lightest weight that lets you reach the fish and keep contact with the lure.

How to Fish Them

Cast out, let the shad sink to the depth you want, then begin a steady retrieve with the occasional lift and drop. Perch often hit as the lure falls, so stay alert and keep in touch with your line. If you are not getting bites, vary your retrieve speed and try different depths until you find what the fish want.

Stay Lucky

Every angler has a favourite piece of kit, and a lucky hat is as good as any. Confidence helps, and when the fish start to bite, a bit of good fortune is always welcome. Check your knots, keep your hooks sharp and return every fish carefully so it can be enjoyed again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many anglers retrieve a shad too fast, which can cause perch to miss or ignore it. Slow down and let the lure fall between pulls. Another frequent problem is using a jighead that is too heavy, as this makes the lure sink unnaturally. Finally, do not be afraid to change colour or size when the bites stop. Small adjustments often bring the fish back, and keeping an open mind is the key to consistently catching perch on soft lures.

With a little patience and practice, slick shads will soon become one of your favourite lures for perch.