HUGE ZANDER AND PERCH HUNT WITH LURES - Bank fishing massive lakes

I’ve actually caught quite a few of my biggest perch from stillwaters, but this was on a whole new level! Bank fishing a lake that’s over 200 acres in size! Join me on a steep learning curve on my hunt for huge zander and perch, fishing from the bank of this massive lake.
We see people catching specimen fish from boats quite frequently, but not so many fishing from the bank. The fishing wasn't easy but we managed some really nice fish. I go through tackle and tactics as always. Winter on the big lake has been tough at times but ultimately very rewarding. Thanks for checking out the video as always!
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[@conrad4190]

You've one of the few KZbin channels when I see a new notification for I watch as soon as I can because I know:- 1. Advice/tips - be that yours or others you've had on the channel you've adopted into your fishing. The reasoning why you do and why we should give it a go. 2. Massive effort put in through long journeys, multiple sessions, blanks etc but you've learnt from every session and gone back wanting to succeed. 3. The explanation around point 2 means we don't need to watch a 30 minute video of you blanking. You keep on trying and then your efforts put some cracking fish in the net that we actually want to see to get us out there too. All the while filmed, presented and edited professionally but from a personable perspective. Thanks Nick, keep it up! P.S. That Zander was an absolute beast...

[@Lifeonthebank]

Such very kind feedback. Thank you. Nice that you acknowledge the time and effort I put into my fishing and filming. Ultimately the effort is worth it. I love sharing my true passion with other likeminded anglers. If I learn something then I try to pass it on. If I don’t know something and want more guidance and advice then some very decent, generous and gifted anglers have thankfully stepped forward. Thanks for watching the videos. It gives me a huge amount of pleasure to know that they’re being enjoyed and that they’re giving you a few ideas to put into your own fishing. 🙏🙏🙏

[@antjohnson4236]

I also like the fact he takes the time to answer people in the comments on his videos!

[@UKFishCam]

That’s a ridiculously large zander!

[@Lifeonthebank]

An incredible fish. Feel very fortunate to have captured this one that’s for sure 👌 👍👍👍

[@patrikgibbons7560]

My two favorite fish to catch and eat over here are walleyes and Perch. Incredible Zander there!

[@AlexHeath93]

That Zander was a monster! I've never seen any Zander near me. Top fishing

[@gazzadon2447]

Mate cracking zanda, you looked buzzing buzzing buzzing after that surprise.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Head was blown!!! 🤯🤯🤯😂👍

[@bushleague3472]

Subscribed. I'm from Canada, and own a boat, but for quite a few years now I've been more obsessed with fishing from shore, mostly for pike and walleye, but also trout. The more I learn how to better focus my strategys and remove some of the luck, the more interesting it gets. It a quick, handy way to get into some fish after work, and its very a very practical skill to have on road trips, rather than hauling along the boat or a canoe I can just take a backpack and a fishing rod.

[@dreammaker730]

Nice catch , yep layers and hats in this weather make fishing more pleasurable.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah, it can be harsh on the bank in winter and not just on these big stillwaters. I salute all the anglers that venture out at this time of year. Definitely worth investing in the best clothing you can afford though right! 👍👍👍🙏

[@dodjo]

Great video thanks! I have a ticket on there for the roach and bream. As a newcomer to the lure fishing (one year in) I’m still finding my way with it a bit, and as much as I’ve wanted to give it a go on the lures there, I have felt out of my depth with it. The shallow shelves that go out a long way in some areas have put me off too! This has given me a bit of confidence to give it a go. Cheers!

[@rogerjohnson8540]

I fished that water 35+ years ago, the roach fishing was fantastic at the time and then the cormorants arrived, bream were a rarity at the time, I never caught one there , occasional tench though. I live on the other side of the country now, but me old Mum still lives close. How’s the roaching now? It’s a hard water to fish with more challenges than most (!) but worth it when it comes right. If you ever come to North Devon give me a shout and I’ll try to put you on some fish. All the best.

[@pagey5323]

Great video and a cracking surprise , chances of a larger one 👍🏻

[@Lifeonthebank]

Definitely is possible! Thanks for watching the vid. 👍👍👏👏👏

[@matthewmullins6801]

That Zander is Huge, well done, Nick 👏👏

[@Lifeonthebank]

A big old unit indeed! 😂 Thanks for tuning in!!!! 👍👍👍

[@wojtekwozniak3407]

Know this lake.Tough water but few good uns there.

[@garysimpson8860]

Love watching your uploads great zander to and great to see a video that’s been made in the winter and not been filmed when it’s warmer and then uploaded out it’s been made in the proper colder months when we all feel it’s hard and difficult to catch 👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yes, a good point. We’re definitely right in the hardest part of the season now. Cold conditions and tough fishing. Thanks for the kind comment and for checking out the video 👍👍

[@trevorcornes1056]

Well done Nick on catching that massive Zander and that nice big perch too . Thanks for all the interesting information . Well done again.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Hope you’re well mate. A bit of a clonker isn’t it!! 😂 👍👍👍

[@robertmansell3667]

Some lovely fish,but that Zander!! OMG fish of a lifetime 😮

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate … yes, incredible! Still buzzing!

[@wilson.Angler1869]

Excellent Nick Congratulations on the great zander

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate. It’s gonna take some beating!!

[@johngraham5996]

i wish we had zander in scotland, terrific looking predators, our highland lochs around inverness are packed with perch, some huge fish, i once found a dead perch of around 5lb possibly more as it was 4" across the shoulders! great fun on light gear

[@Lifeonthebank]

Wow, are there any videos online of the big perch being caught up there?

[@lukaszja6342]

Would love to see you landing it , great fish

[@rogerjohnson8540]

Great video, I knew that water very well 35-40 years ago it was throwing up the odd double figure Z even then. You always got the sense there could be a giant something just waiting to be caught. The roach fishing was fantastic back then, but I’d missed the best of the piking, caught some good ones though. I still miss the place but live on the other side of the country now, don’t miss the winter winds, it can be brutal there.

[@russellgarrett8505]

Another great one Nick,that Zander though ! Brilliant job 👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

Really appreciate the comment mate! Thank you 🙏 👍👍👍

[@rickygreenslade7399]

Massive.. Great video can't wait for the start of you tench fishing

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah mate, just starting to think about spring!!! 😁😁😁👍

[@dominicburton950]

Glad the hardwork paid off ! That was a lovely Zander .Think a lure caught double is something special .Well deserved mate that's a big water to go at and persevere through blanks and weather! Best of luck with your campaign 👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

Thanks Dominic. Can be quite tough on the end of the wind at this time of year! Still not finished so hopefully there’s more to come! Cheers mate 👍👏👏👏

[@paulharris6886]

Nice one Nick! Still one of the best channels. Have been loving and learning from Perch Masters. Ace👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

Thank you so much mate 👍👍🙌 Really appreciated

[@petrpavel1134]

When I see that beautiful video, I would immediately go fishing with a spinning rod on the lake behind my house. Unfortunately, there is a ban on catching predatory fish in the Czech Republic until June. So I'll probably only go for carp, or river fish such as walleye, roach and so on.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Thanks! Yes, I stay flexible and fish for whatever is on offer! Best way to be! 👍

[@philipmurray5493]

What a fish well done

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers Philip, thanks for checking it out! 👍

[@stuartduke999]

Wow! Monster zander Nick! Well done ! I really appreciate how you clearly explain the rigs,lures and tactics. The rubber worms and jig heads are new territory for me. Many thanks for sharing Bro! 🙂👍🐳🏆

[@Lifeonthebank]

Such a nice comment mate. Thank you! Hard to beat worm style lures once the temperatures drop imo. Fish them slow and hopefully the rewards will come!!! Thanks again Stuart 👏🙌🙌

[@MrFerocactus]

Super, takto sa mi páči na privlač ❤

[@allanharris9143]

Fantastic video and what a fab zander, great angling. Thank you

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers for watching Allan 👍👍😂🙏

[@allanharris9143]

@@Lifeonthebank great idea with storing the jig heads what container is it many thanks

[@BlackCountryPiker]

Bloody hell Nick, what a Zander and from the bank! I mean, the perch were bosters but that Zander, congratulations 👏

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate. Thanks for that! Still buzzing 🐝 I quite fancy a big pike now! Might try some flies 🤔 Can you recommend some?

[@BlackCountryPiker]

@@Lifeonthebank I’ll message you 👍

[@Gabby_02]

Amazing video!!! Very insightful. I learned a lot about finnesse winter fishing and definitely up for giving ti a go at my local lakes. Interestingly I've been using 50lb Fluoro leader for my pike/perch lure fishing over the last 10 years and had only been bitten off by very large pike 2-3 times. It doesn't seem to bother the large perch in the crystal clear quarry waters here, as I had them up to 5lb on spinner baits. I guess it does matter in winter though as never had perch after mid-late November on lures.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah, thick fluoro is used a fair amount over wire. I generally fish much slower through the cold months. Slowly bumping Ned rigs can work well from Dec - Feb. 👍

[@gavincorbett1272]

Senior wasps 😂 im gonna use that one lol...what a zander that was ...awesome looking specimen 👌

[@Lifeonthebank]

😂😂 🐝 🐝 🐝 👏👏 cheers mate!

[@dannyharris3580]

Well done nick 👏 another great video 👍 cracking fish caught.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate .. back on the river now. Hoping for a big pike! 😁👍

[@dannyharris3580]

@@Lifeonthebank rivers local to me currently look like they could throw out a big pike atm. Went out yesterday and managed a few Jack's but nothing big... yet 😁

[@fishingforbiteswithmo]

Brilliant video thanks for sharing 👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

I enjoy sharing this stuff with you mate. We all love a bit of an adventure 😉🙏🙏👍

[@leefishersallwaysfishing]

Nick, that was awesome and as for that Zander!!!!! Great vid as always and has given me inspiration to try a big reservoir down my local Sussex way

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah, makes me wonder if I can pull it off on other big venues! Give it a go mate. Let me know how you get on! 👍👍

[@richarddeboer8934]

Pitty not too see the drill of this big beauty of Zander My regard Nick and great videos

[@Lifeonthebank]

I’ve been having issues with my go pro in this cold weather. Keeps cutting out 😕

[@smallfryproductions2184]

Cracking video as always nik That zander was something special Not to mention the perch at the end 😮

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers my friend. Hope you are well 😁 Thanks for checking it out. Still buzzing! 🐝

[@stevem987]

Great video, definitely made me want to get out and fish, picked up quite a few tips as well, awesome job👏

[@Lifeonthebank]

Give it a go!!! Hope you catch a Monster!!!

[@paulAnthony7236]

Lucky man what a corker 👍.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Definitely feel very fortunate to have encountered that one 😉👍👍👍

[@hobouk3871]

7:11 Zander like this just remind of Atlantic Cod, to me they are like the freshwater version of Cod.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Definitely looks like the flank of a cod

[@graemebrown1191]

What a Zander 👊

[@Lifeonthebank]

Got lucky that day! Made my winter!! 👍👍

[@TheEssexAnglerYT]

Great video this Nick, unit of a Zander, could see the happiness on your face from it too! Great explanations through what you do too! Love it! The Squirmz do seem to be good haha!

[@Lifeonthebank]

The Squirmz and stick bait generally are really effective at this time of year. Fish them SUPER SLOW!! 👍👍👍👍

[@TheBassRacer]

Great video, that Zander looked bigger👌

[@Lifeonthebank]

Was a monster mate … now for a big pike maybe!!! 😉👍

[@tadhghayden8440]

That is magnificent!..in this country as well....yea you are right of course not obsessing about not catching it on go pro....thou would have loved to see the whole event....it's the actual fishing itself that is the priority. Ur fishing the bottom...so not relying on silhouette effect?..except maybe the shads...pike bit u off through trace?.. Interesting place..

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah, shame about the go pro but I’m a fisherman first, video guy second. The angling will always win and it’s hard to be annoyed when you’ve got a 14lb Zander in the net! 😂 I think you’re right about the silhouette, I reckon it’s too dark for them to see much down there tbh. Wasn’t shot in order so that pike was the one I referred to when talking through the rig 😕 Thanks for checking out the video 🙌👍

[@Straightshooterx71x]

Beast. Bass gear ok for this type of lure fishing👍 thank you.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah, bass gear could work. 25g rod worked out ok for me. 👍👍

[@Straightshooterx71x]

@@Lifeonthebank thanks for the reply,.

[@paulwhite9754]

quality fish Nick love the vlogs .

[@Lifeonthebank]

Top man … cheers mate 🙌👍👍👍

[@heresjhonny5448]

Magic 👍👍

[@mwsports]

Such a great video. Take some cojones to target a venue like that from the bank. Props! What a fish. 🎉🎉🎉

[@tadhghayden8440]

Agreed!.. but interesting way to challenge it..

[@Lifeonthebank]

Brave or stupid!!? 😂😂 Either way it worked out 😂 Cheers Mat 🎉🎉🎉

[@stevesnailfish]

Cracking as always...

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate. Thanks for checking it out 👍👏👏👏

[@Ironsmiler]

Some Zed that. Wow.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Every so often you catch the fish of a lifetime 😁 Feeling blessed!

[@bigpikeonly4033]

Tank!!

[@Lifeonthebank]

Bit of a beast 😂👍👍👍

[@chastibble8946]

Hi there Nick, do you need a day ticket to coarse fish Grafham from the bank please??

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yes you do

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Nick, you've done it again 👏 mate. Nice vid and some lovely fish 🐟 too. That Zander was an absolute monster, I caught some many many moons ago while fishing on the match circuit back in the late 70's 😳. But nothing anywhere near the size of that, ( I think back then they had only just found there way into our waters, on the rivers) but never seen one of that size, so what's the max weight they could attain do you think? Again great video lovely fish too. How big was the one that got away ?? Roughly rod looked to be really hooped over. All the best Les.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Thanks Leslie … yeah, that pike wasn’t small. Was really pulling hard in deep water. The Zander was a very special fish for me. Very, very chuffed. Thanks as always for checking it out mate! 👌👍👍👍

[@lesliecrowther7004]

@@Lifeonthebank always know you'r vids are going to be good 👍 not only the fishing but all the tips hints heads up that come across in the process, always something new to learn from film to film. Well put together. Cheers Les. Have to watch again, and also clock the name of your new trace material. Les.

[@james94666]

Absolutely clonking Zander, well done mate effort equals reward 💯👍🎣

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate. Taken a break from there after so tough sessions but will be back at some point. Been mainly pike and roach fishing now.

[@peacefrog1381]

quality video as usual , the biggest perch i ever caught was on a club lake/pond , reeling in a 10mm boilie :) 2.5lber

[@Lifeonthebank]

😮😂😂😂

[@peacefrog1381]

@@Lifeonthebank started walking the canals and rivers during lockdown, love catching pike but perch are my preferred, as for zander not seen one of those I live and fish mainly around the macc canal in Cheshire not even sure zander live there, anyway I find your chanel a great source of education and quality to watch, anyway enough brown nosing 😄 carry on with the great videos

[@stuartmees7822]

That is a absolute 🐋 of a zed 👍👍👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

Beast of a fish 👍🙌🙌 cheers mate

[@NikoHL]

Just a newbie question. If yr lure is hooked towards the top of the lure won't you miss a lot of takes (eg a long finesse hooked 1-2 inches from the top, leaving a long body) ..I thought fish attacked lures from behind. Won't you loose a lot of fish?

[@Lifeonthebank]

It’s a very good question. Zander are known to be tail nippers and anglers often use a ‘stinger’ to help with hook ups. I’m not so worried about this on really soft lures that ‘fold’. The finesse worms are ridiculously soft.

[@markosborne9726]

Well done Nick quality video quality information and quality fish. I have been chomping at the bit for weeks to get out. Off pike fishing this weekend with deadbaits. Quick question on a water such as that what is the bottom of the lake made up of and do you lose much gear? Well done again on the Zander.

[@Lifeonthebank]

The bottom was ok actually. I did hit the odd snag but nothing like the rivers I fish! 😂😂🙏 Thanks for the support 👍👍👍👍

[@tomedmonds295]

Hi Nick, awesome vid as always! Keep up the amazing work I'm learning a lot from your trail and error methods too! Just wondering what your take on wind on still waters is? Would you leave a deeper section in winter if the wind could be blowing bait fish to another part of the lake? Do you think wind makes a difference in spring/summer in shallower areas? Cheers!

[@Lifeonthebank]

Not sure I’ve built up enough experience to answer that yet, specifically with lures that is. I would probably hit the deeps as a default but maybe jump in the car and drive down to the end of the wind if it’s not happening. Have you found this to be true?

[@tomedmonds295]

@@Lifeonthebank in my experience it seems that wind seems to affect pike more than perch, especially in lakes and canals. In the old deep gravel quarries I fish, the perch will stick to the deeper marginal shelves and the weed line (always structure hogs) in winter, but the pike tend to stalk the bait fish a bit more depending on which way the wind is blowing. In summer, it's anyone's guess where the heck they go 😂

[@vinnylivoti9567]

Well done sir! Congratulations on that fine Zander. I am a new sub to your channle and have very much enjoyed your videos.

[@Hardlinesangling]

Brilliant zander you had there. None near me to catch so have never caught one. Would love to catch some bigger perch like you had there too. Is the water pretty clear there? The perch looked fairly pale usually the case with clearer water.

[@Lifeonthebank]

Yeah, they were all pale. Probably due to the deep water mate.

[@antjohnson4236]

Hi nick do you do much lure fishing for pike? Been having a go myself it would be interesting to see what lures your using if you do

[@Lifeonthebank]

Been doing some recently yes .. video coming soon 👍👍👍

[@antjohnson4236]

@@Lifeonthebank look forward to it 😁

[@WaterBlogUK]

Great video, just find myself sucking my teeth over that lost pike. If that was a bite off through the AFW 49 strand 10lb would it be worth considering recommending the 20lb instead?

[@Lifeonthebank]

The film wasn’t shot in that order. I mentioned that I’d started using the AFW wire after a bite off. That was the bite off unfortunately 😕 Not good I know. I’m sure the 11lb wire would have landed it. It’s surprisingly strong mate. 👍👍

[@WaterBlogUK]

@@Lifeonthebank I would be lying if I said I hadn't been there myself! Thanks for getting back to me.

[@karlmclean2023]

Hi I’m thinking of doing doing some thing similar this winter. I’ve got a big water 100acre+ water depths vary between 12-18ft at its deepest. I was wondering what gram rod would be best suited a 5-15g or a 7-27g ?

[@Tjw1]

Still not a patch on Dobbs Weir though. #WheresCallum?

[@Lifeonthebank]

😂😂😂

[@mariusstefan8851]

hi which wire is stronger for pike surflon 6.6lb or E-Sox soft strand 10lb

[@stevendavies7062]

He who dares Rodney

[@wiktordabrowski7516]

is this a members water? Nice fish n video

[@fishingwithsam1096]

i thought i was the only one who uses 10g gighead with squirmz

[@Lifeonthebank]

Sometimes it’s gotta be done in deep water or heavy flow! Still gets results 👍👍👍

[@LozLoco87]

Amazing catch 🪝 bro 🐟🐠

[@Lifeonthebank]

Cheers mate. Appreciated as always 👏👏👏

[@SBUK2010]

Where you gone? .. not fell in I hope 🤔

[@aleksandarradovic7448]

What is that rod?

[@Lifeonthebank]

28g Snapper ZT lure rod 👍

[@kevleafy]

Shame you can't prove it was caught on a lure 😇 only messing.. well done fella.. I'm about to get back at the lure fishing myself in the coming weeks 👍

[@Lifeonthebank]

😂😂😂 was caught on boilies really!! 😂😂 Good luck when you get out on the lures mate!

[@timproctor6928]

Another top video Nick, what breaking strain wire would you use?

[@Lifeonthebank]

The AFW in 11lb mate. It’s really strong but very thin. Knots really nicely too mate 👍 On the river I use the 6lb version.

[@maxlynn5427]

What lake is this?

[@chriseegee-man6918]

That zander was an absolute clonker

[@Lifeonthebank]

A proper beast. I wonder what else is in there!!! 😉👍

[@robertfossey1798]

Can i ask what lake they is.i never caught a zander i live i berkshire.i understand if you don’t wont to tell thanks for the channel

[@Lifeonthebank]

Sorry … but thanks for checking out the video. And thanks for understanding 🙏👍👍👍

[@adamsmith3996]

No footage of the bite or fight. Bummer

[@Lifeonthebank]

I know. I’ve heard of other peoples GoPros playing up in the extreme cold. Mine started freezing up a few times. Wish I could have shared it with you 😕

[@leejacksonfishing]

🔥👌🏻👍🏻🎣

[@Lifeonthebank]

🙌🙌🙌👌👏👏🙌🥰

[@garyoxley8201]

Fish correct with a trace that can land ALL fish, you let a Pike bite you off, poor angling that fish cannot feed now 😡