- Perca fluviatilis
- Alternate names: Redfin
Overview[]
Redfin are an introduced species, that have gradually encroached on many freshwater ecosystems throughout the east coast of Australia, pushing out many native species through predation, or just biomass pressure.
A 'tentative' fighting fish, the Redfin almost makes up for it's negatives by being an excellent table fish, and one that is spectacularly easy to fillet & skin.
It's scales tend to bind very strongly to the skin, so scaling the fish is not recommended unless you want a real workout.
Tackle[]
Redfin are very aggressive, and spectacularly easy to catch from a Kayak, reacting well to Lures, Soft Plastics, and Spinner Baits, whether trolled, or cast/retrieved.
They are cannibals, so Canberra members have had excellent results with lure patterns that mimic smaller redfin patterns. The Strikepro Galaxia in tiger colours is a particular favorite, as is the orange/black Killalure PakRat (4m diver). However, dark coloured sinking lures (such as Jackals) are also reasonable producers.
Techniques[]
Redfin will often target lures or plastics that are way too large for them. It is a reasonably common occurrence to pull up a redfin that is almost the same size as your lure.
Weed beds[]
Trolling along the outside of weed beds will often produce redfin - generally with lures that troll between 2 and 4 meters.
Soft plastics in similar areas will often produce results.
Spinner baits, or soft plastics in deep sections of the lake or stream (10m+) can sometimes bring up some very large fish - upwards of 50cm.
In WA they feed on small marron and so yabbie/ marron type lures are productive
Overhangs[]
Smaller redfin often hang around tree overhangs, waiting for insects, or other food, to drop. Casting and retrieving lures around these areas can usually result in finding a school of small redfin.
Schooling[]
Redfin are usually a schooling fish. However, fish of similar size generally school together. If you manage to find a school of small redfin, try turning 30 degrees to the left or right, and cast again - often, a school of larger fish will be shadowing the smaller school.
Bubble Trails[]
Redfin will often stir up bubbles when they are foraging amongst the reeds. Trolling over these bubble trails can sometimes produce some great results. (Note: Carp are another culprit).