What do I need to start perch lure fishing? Complete kit list!

In this video Westin backed and Team England lure Squad Captain Thom Hunt describes the essentials list required for perch or light lure fishing in the Uk on canals, rivers and small still waters.
Covering rods, reel size, braid options and a small variety of baits designed to get beginners started with the correct equipment for success as soon as possible.

[@Chrisowen1948Newbury]

Excellent video as always, lots of really useful information, you can never stop learning even at the age of 75. Thank you for sharing. Tight lines.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Thanks Chris, glad you’re still learning and loving it 🎉

[@privatedata665]

You guys across the pond have it made when it comes to perch .

[@kenobiworks]

Thank you for this... sooo helpful to me... I had no idea and all makes sense... lots of this stuff purchased yoday online. Cheers. 👍

[@2BruvsFishing]

Cheers for them tips! Keep up the good work!

[@Thomhuntfishing]

No problem! Always happy to help. Thanks for the positive comment.

[@AbsoluteCranker]

Great video as ever 👍🏻

[@gothicgorey]

Great video . I got a 2.5lb perch on canal other day . I fished with a very light wire trace due to pike common . I also finished with no added weight . Let the soft lure just flow nicely near Lock flow and it got slammed . 😁

[@Thomhuntfishing]

That is awesome! Keep up the good work and keep Enjoying it 🎉

[@gothicgorey]

@@Thomhuntfishing It was actually from previous advice you gave that did it . Some sections of the canal had bits of heavy weed. So I remember you saying ditch the weight so your not fighting the lure to stay out of weed. So yeah keep up the great videos 🤜🤛

[@blackline66]

Great sensible video. Thanks a lot. 😊

[@Thomhuntfishing]

It’s a minefield out there with a lot of people wanting to learn and too much conflicting info sometimes. I try to break it down to be manageable as best I can!

[@blankmasterfishing]

Nice video video Thom! That's it! We really don't need a lot to go perch fishing!👍🏻

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Yep! Keep it simple and light!

[@blankmasterfishing]

@@Thomhuntfishing that's the way. 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@Andy-nl3zw]

Great vid a lot of help

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@JohnSorlie]

My Perch setup: Westin W2 T&C 5-15g 7,1 , Daiwa TW 80 and Shimano SLX 70, Braid Daiwa X8 8 pound with Daiwa 4 pound Fluoro leader. I have some spinning gear also Ultra light and light, but thats my favourite hardware setup.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Sounds like a perfect perch set up!

[@Snarf_spike.]

Well very nice video Thom i miss one thing and that's a power cutter for the treble hooks.Greetz from Holland.

[@user-vi9gw8pt9v]

Brilliant Thom thanks, could you tell me about Texas/Carolina rigs used them never caught anything, bit of where and when.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Texas great for fishing offset hooks in snaggy places, so a superb rig for perch in rivers. Carolina is out and out finesse/cold water technique when the perch are quite wary and you need to present a slow bait with no weight on it so it slowly flutters around

[@user-vi9gw8pt9v]

Thanks Thom@@Thomhuntfishing

[@christophermorris7682]

Thanks for these tackle room talks, I watched 4.5 hours back to back on a flight yesterday and learned more than I did the whole of last winter. I'll be switching from Rapala to Westin solely because you explain how and when to use each lure so well that I feel like Im an expert on the whole Westin range. Tight lines mate and keep up the good work. Perhaps I could cast a line with you this season if you get a chance to do any coaching.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Hi Chris, thanks for the positive comment 👍 Glad you get so much value out of the videos! That’s great that you’ll get some Westin kit, really appreciate it. I never wanted these videos to come across as a Westin advert, just wanted to help people learn more about lure fishing but show the products I do as it’s what I use 👍

[@christophermorris7682]

@@Thomhuntfishing you don't come across as an advert at all mate. You're just the best on KZbin at explaining how to use different lures to catch fish

[@markevansangling]

Bought myself the 2-10g last week and my god its gorgeous. It’s taken a bit of getting used too since I’ve come from ultra fast action solid tip rods, even my rods up to 25g were solid tip, so initially the W3 2-10g felt a bit steely but I’m getting to it now. Slowly switching all my lure stuff over to Westin 👍🏻

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Hey Mark, yeah I love different styles of rods but having used the Finesse T&C for so many years now and enjoyed so many great fish on loads of different methods…. They’re simply brilliant.

[@ryanmartin145]

Great video could you put up a video of how to set the rod up and how to tie your traces please

[@ChimpHat424]

I've just discovered your channel Thom and have binge watched for the last 48 hours! I fish for most coarse species with a variety of methods but I can honestly say your videos are the most informative, engaging, and well delivered that I've come across. Could you do one on how you would approach a small to medium size river with a moderate flow such as the River Ouse?

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Hi Lee, many thanks for the comment 🙏 I actually fished the Ouse a bit this summer but it wasn’t that great. Caught some pike 3-10lb and occasional perch up to a pound or so. Fished small chatterbaits and crankbaits this summer which seemed best, but now it’s cooling down I’d switch over to shads or creature baits on a Cheb rig. Then when it gets really cold try dropshot or a Ned rig 👍

[@ChimpHat424]

@Thomhuntfishing thanks for replying so quickly. I'll be out there giving it a go soon hopefully.

[@ChimpHat424]

@Thomhuntfishing I'm going to get so 6.5cm CreCraws. Given that the visibility is typically less than 1.5ft, and depth is about 5ft, do you have a colour you would recommend? I was looking at UV Craw as it looks fairly dark across the back for silhouette but also quite natural, or lava craw as it is very dark but has the flash of red perch love (and that the signals that are rife in the river have).

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Yep both of those are great choices. I also like black/Chartruese 👍

[@clivesquire6463]

Thanks Thom absolutely amazing explanation as always you are my go to channel for my lure fishing inspiration so easily explained and easy to understand and take in , truly a professional thanks for sharing its pouring down here so I am going to binge watch all your uploads for some inspiration ,one question i live in Nottingham and struggle to find any Westin products in my local tackle shops any info would be really appreciated , Many thanks Thom ,looking forward to the next one .

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Hi Clive, many thanks for the message. Glad you get so much value from the videos that’s what I make them for! Near Nottingham, Bennett’s in Mountsorrel stocks Westin, and the Pike Shop to the South and Independant Tackle and bait in Doncaster both about an hour away and have really good stocks of Westin. Or search online there’s plenty of good online retailers 👍

[@clivesquire6463]

@@Thomhuntfishing many thanks Thom I will get looking 👍

[@Raptor_Fishing_UK]

Just catching up. This is an amazing video. I have such a love/hate relationship with lure fishing. I lose so many bits from snags on the river yet i prefer it to 'sit down' fishing.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

It does seem to be a method that takes quite a bit of understanding to do well, and is very addictive…. The tug is the drug!

[@Raptor_Fishing_UK]

@@Thomhuntfishing big time!! Will be at The Big One. Will say hello.

[@darrenanthonyshortt9157]

If you what the best for parch fishing tom hunt video are go to frm parch to pike to best way of getting to big boys .t.c is top notch rod I had same but one pic to big to bring in bus or train. Have 5/20gm t crank rod finness rod in baitcaster with shamano hg40. Going to get new t.c w3 I pair up with engage 1000reel frm shamino .Tom hunt is one parson how I take full confidence in the way he shows and explains how s why's were to go for that big lump that's just whating on tasty treats. Tom your gent and keep safe on and of water this wither guys ..tight lines.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Thanks for your message man, glad you like my content. Wishing you a new Pb. Tight lines 😊

[@JohnBrown1]

All winter im giving this tech a go cheers.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Best of luck John, keep me updated or message with any topics you might want a video made on 👍

[@MrLukeyAJ]

Great and informative vid! Thank you! I’ve been looking into getting a Westin rod for perch as an upgrade from my HTO rockfish 1-7g. looking at the w3 t/c 2-10 as I like a light rod but I see you recommend the 5-15 as a good all rounder. I fish mainly river (Dorset stour) with the occasional K&A canal. I’m happy catching any size perch, would I be over gunned with the 5-15. Would I still feel the small bites? Hard enough deciding a brand now weight! 🤯😆

[@Thomhuntfishing]

@@MrLukeyAJ the 2-10g Finesse T&C sounds more like it would be suited to you then 👍

[@MrLukeyAJ]

@@Thomhuntfishing great! Thanks for the reply. I did manage to hold a 5-15 t/c at todber the other day however they don’t do the 2-10 they did have the street stick 2-10 which had a nice feel to it. Is there much of a difference between the two and would they be used in similar situations.

[@cpxj]

Hi Thom, Great video as always. What clips do you use when making your own wire traces?

[@Thomhuntfishing]

I use Mustad Fastach twist on clips a fair bit, or any other standard snap (on its own, no swivel) is generally fine as long as they’re a balanced size for the wire strength/bait size

[@martinstevens7359]

Awesome video Thom, just the sort of info I've been ferreting around for without a lot of luck over the last couple of years. Do you have any recommendations for online Westin dealers selling a decent range of products, or shops in the London area?

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Hi Martin, online will be your best bet for variety. Try the Pike Shop, Predator Tackle or Angling Direct online

[@Anders5Jensen]

Very nive video! What is the difference between this rod and the streetstick? You can have the streetstick with the same specs as the finesse T&C

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Finesse T&C is a faster action, slightly stronger rod The Streetstick is very light and thin and delicate but has a softer, more through action

[@Catonkey1]

Hi Thom, I got into fishing, or more specfiically lure fishing in November last year. I've had some fish but fuck me I blank a hell of a lot. Sometimes I feel absolutely clueless, even after watching all your videos and other KZbinrs. My most begging questions are. How often do you switch lure/swims? Sometimes I wonder if Im too impatient but sometimes probably too stubborn with using a particular lure on some days.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Hi there…. Great question. I move A LOT! Partly because I get bored easily, if I am fishing from the bank I rarely give any 1 spot more than 10 minutes if I’ve not had a bite. Also lure wise, at that spot I might try 2 or so different lures in the 10 mins but the main thing to remember is A) predatory fish tend to hit first or second cast for about 80% of the time if they’re in the mood. If they’re not in the mood, doesn’t matter what you throw at them or for how long! Keep trying different areas to cover as many fish as possible and then eventually when you get bites, you’ll understand what they want, where and at what time of year. This is why lure anglers don’t like giving up spots…. It takes a long time to build experience & knowledge of timing, baits and location 👍

[@peterevans8194]

I think sometimes it pays to switch things completely....if you are not having any luck on standard soft plastics on a jig, try a Ned rig with a buoyant soft plastic, or give drop shoting a try..Both are great in colder weather, and perhaps the fish are reluctant to chase other types of lure. On both these rigs, you can use a section of earth worm hooked wacky style first, and then pop on your normal nose hooked soft plastic..it sort of looks like the soft plastic is eating the worm! I think the extra scent from the worm certainly helps...

[@BenshobbyStuff]

i didnt have much luck with the w10 braid mate, bought 11lb and it was breaking at 4.5lb so ended up changing it mate. was a tad disappointed and i love my westin stuff :/ really had high hopes for it mate

[@Thomhuntfishing]

There isn’t an 11lb version. The lightest in W10 is 13lb?

[@BenshobbyStuff]

@@Thomhuntfishing yes thats it sorry its in kilos and i forgot it was 13lb mate only holds 4.5lb and ive tested it 2 different ways dude. Line kept snapping with fish on so i tested it mate

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Sounds very unusual. I’ve got 3 reels with the lightest 13lb W10 on and had no issues at all. In fact had 2 x 20lb pike on it now as well.

[@BenshobbyStuff]

it is what it is mate. i tested it multiple times 2 different ways.. not like westin, i swear by westin products @@Thomhuntfishing

[@expomm]

Great video! I have savage gear baitcaster 5-20 g MF 210c, rod paired with a shimano curado HGL with a braid 20 pounds 0.16 mm, wonder if I can throw 5 g lures on it? I am afraid of using thinner braid because will dig in in the reel, what do u think?

[@Thomhuntfishing]

5g sounds a little bit lighter on that set up but give it a go and see how you get on 👍 some BFS guys use thinner braid than that but often only load 35-50m on so it doesn’t bed in like you mentioned

[@expomm]

@@Thomhuntfishing thanks!

[@brettellis1837]

Ps when that lock goes in they do not move a mm😂 winner that.

[@Andy-nl3zw]

Hi Thom what's the thought on flouro for pike leaders

[@Thomhuntfishing]

So my rule is minimum 1mm thickness (about 90-100lb) and it needs to be proper ‘hard’ Flouro (Flouro comes in different densities from medium soft/supple to stiff/hard…. It’s the hard stuff you need for pike leaders. For me it’s also only reserved for bigger lures of 50g upwards for hard baits and 20cm+ soft baits. It’s simply too thick and unbalanced for soft baits under about 16/18cm. For nearly all of my pike fishing in the UK I’m on 12-16cm baits so fish wire 99% of the time but abroad like Sweden/Ireland/Finland etc I use 20-27cm baits and 1mm or 1.2mm Flouro leaders

[@leftmono1016]

Why not use wire? Definitely does not put pike off in my experience. Way less bulky and no risk of getting bitten off. I always use light wire for perch too. Don’t like getting bitten off by pike, would rather land them.

[@Thomhuntfishing]

@@leftmono1016 So in the UK I personally use wire for 95-99% of my pike fishing, however 1-1.2mm Flouro does have advantages over wire. 1 - if catching lots of fish, it doesn’t kink, go curly need replacing half as much as wire. 2 - in the Spring or if the water is above 12°c sometimes they go nuts in the net/doing crocodile rolls etc, Flouro doesn’t cut in to the mouth or body and won’t lift scales like wire can. 3 - presentation….. fishing slowly with baits like big jerkbaits over the top of weed thick Flouro presents baits shallow better. The main thing for me though is bait size….. thick Flouro doesn’t present baits under about 16cm very well, and I do most of my pike fishing using 12-16cm so therefore don’t use it a huge amount. However it has its advantages, and no, on 1mm+ hard Flouro you won’t basically won’t get bitten off

[@leftmono1016]

@@Thomhuntfishing - thanks Thom, really appreciate the detailed reply 👍 Very interesting points, especially regarding welfare of the fish. This always bothers me with pike, also when the bait has two trebles and one gets stuck in the net. I like using jig flies (pretty easy to tie yourself) with a stinger attached to the hook. All barbless so only four hook points in total. Pike love ‘em. But this time of year I’m casting into the deeper water so need heavier lures for extra distance. Got a 21cm BullTeez on its way to me, looking forward to trying that out. Tightest of lines mate 😀

[@GwenKayak]

Hello good vidéo can you do the same for pike and zander thx !!!

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Yes I can! Might be a couple of weeks though!

[@michaelwatson7186]

What product code is the Rod please Tom

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Westin W3 Finesse T&C 5-15g 7’1” W360-0712-ML

[@michaelwatson7186]

@@Thomhuntfishing Cheers Thom looks a nice Rod

[@ballkeeper6662]

how much of the 6.6 lb wire trace

[@Thomhuntfishing]

About 12-14” is good 👍

[@brettellis1837]

Z man lol but with a twist split ring jig head best lock s for z material bait junkie if in salt o my don't they skip. Hint cast do not wind why perfect sink rate lol just add liquid steel to split ring. Never see that on you tube. Fish secrets for ya.

[@djdeemz7651]

Shame we cant introduce bass here , maybe a big indoor lake full of bass could be an idea

[@user-vp1lw7ud9b]

why?

[@djdeemz7651]

@@user-vp1lw7ud9b I enjoy lure fishing and they would be good for fishing for ....indoor lake ensures they wouldn't end up as an invasive species

[@TTCTimeToChill]

I've thought about this but also for more exotic species. The costs and logistics would be Imossible.

[@southgsx]

What if rules don't allow braid ?

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Of braid not allowed, opt for any monofilament/flourocarbon line that has the least amount of stretch. The less stretch, the more bite detection you get 👍

[@PaulFrancis-bj6vp]

​@@Thomhuntfishing which mono would you suggest regarding least stretch Thom?

[@Bromleycrosslife]

Was the least straight forward beginner gear video I've seen 😂

[@Thomhuntfishing]

Ha ha yeah fair one! It seems to be one of those methods where I often get messages saying ‘I’ve tried lure fishing 6 times and had 6 blanks’ and they clearly have some sort of rod, some sort of reel, braid and lure on the end….. so I think the details do make a big difference even at the beginner level. Anyway, tight lines and hope you’ve had a few this winter!