Redfin (Perca fluviatilis) are also known as English Perch, Reddies and Redfin Perch.
Redfin are an introduced species originating from Europe and found in large numbers in many urban lakes, as well as rivers and streams. They are schooling fish and ferocious predators often attacking much larger fish and preying on juvenile native fish. Redfin thrive in waterways where aquatic vegetation is abundant which is the predominant reason for the large bio-mass in the urban lakes.
Read below to learn about fishing for Redfin and how to best protect our waterways when doing so.
Where to Fish
Redfin will seek out any form of weed where they can feed on small fish, invertebrates and insects. Weed beds are the prime target area for recreational anglers wishing to catch a Redfin.
Bridge pylons, clusters of submerged trees, and the shade of large lake, or river side trees are also good areas to fish for Redfin. Over hanging trees are another excellent area to target the species.
Bait Fishing
The best baits for catching Redfin are all types of worms, shrimps, yabbies, bread and corn.
A simple running sinker is ideal for Redfin. A pea sized sinker of slightly larger is sufficient. Remember to keep your sinker size to a minimum. The sinker is to aid in casting distance and to secure your bait on the bottom if fishing in flowing water.
A number 4 sized hook will be adequate for most styles of fishing. If using a large yabbie as bait, a number 1 or 2 sized hook may be required.
Yabbies with a simple running sinker are an effective bait to catch Redfin.
Photos supplied by Andy McGovern.
Worms with a simple running sinker are also an effective bait to catch Redfin.
Lure Fishing
Redfin will take a variety of artificial lure styles, colours, and patterns. Small to medium sized minnows (both deep and shallow diving - 7 to 10cm long), spinnerbaits (1/4oz), small spinners (size 2 and 3), and soft plastics (grub and minnow bodies) are all excellent Redfin lures. Natural colours and patterns work well in clear water whereas bright colours such as red, pink, and orange worth best in dirty water. Use a slow retrieve when lure fishing imparting a few pauses during each retrieve. A slight increase in retrieval speed can also attract and generate interest from Redfin.
Small to medium sized minnows (deep and shallow diving)
Spinnerbaits
Small spinner (size 2 and 3)
Soft plastic lures (grub and minnow bodies)
Tackle
A 1.8 to 2.1m light to medium spinning rod match with a 2000-3000 sized threadline reel is the ideal set up when targeting Redfin. 6 to 10lb main line can be used for both lure and bait fishing.
Redfin can be targeted using light to medium rods by means of lure or bait fishing.
Photos supplied by Andy McGovern.
Size
Average size ranges from 150mm to 350mm. Fish greater than 400mm can be regularly caught and considered a high-quality specimen.
Bag, Size Limit and Closed Season in NSW/ACT
There are no restrictions on catching Redfin in NSW and the ACT.
Live Redfin cannot be transferred or released in NSW or ACT waterways (except in the location where the fish was caught).
Redfin generally range from 150 to 350mm but larger fish can be caught, such as this 420mm Redfin. There are no seasonal restrictions when fishing for Redfin.
Photos supplied by Andy McGovern.
By-Catch
Often Redfin will be found in the same water ways as many of our native fish. When targeting Redfin, other species such as Golden Perch, Macquarie Perch, Trout Cod, and Murray Cod are regularly caught. If one of our protected native fish are caught, anglers should remove the hooks immediately (while leaving the fish in the water) for release. If bait fishing and the hook has been swallowed deep by the fish, cut off the line as close as possible to the fish’s mouth, and release back into the water.
Fishing Tip
Redfin are a schooling fish that hunt in large numbers. When fishing, if you locate a school, it is possible for anglers to catch multiple fish from the one school. A hooked Redfin will often attract other fish sending the rest of the school into a feeding frenzy.
Help Our Fisheries and Waterways
Redfin will often prey on juvenile native fish. If caught, Redfin should not be returned to the water. Please kill humanely and dispose of the dead fish responsibly.
Redfin are introduced species and can be a threat to native fish such as Macquarie perch and recreational angling species such as Trout. They are currently not found in the upper Murrumbidgee catchment upstream of the ACT. If you do see Redfin in this area, logging fish sightings on Feral Fish Scan can help fish scientists and fisheries managers to protect these species and maintain fishing grounds.
Download the Feral Fish Scan app.
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