Genus  Perca fluviatilis

Description

Also known as English perch, redfin are a deep-bodied fish with two separate dorsal fins and a large extending mouth. The back is dark green and there are six or seven black bands along the sides of the body. The belly is white and the lower fins and tail are bright red. The first dorsal fin contains hard spines and the edges of the gill covering are very sharp, so they need to be handled carefully. Redfin are native to the cooler waters of the northern hemisphere and were first introduced to Victoria in 1861.

Distribution

Redfin are abundant and widespread throughout Victoria and are found in lakes, reservoirs, farm dams and slower flowing streams and rivers. They are generally found in schools and will  congregate around underwater structures such as rocky areas and submerged trees in lakes. They can also be caught in open water, particularly around weed beds.

Size

Redfin caught in Victorian waters generally range in size from 200 grams up to one kilogram or more. Larger fish to two kg and over occur in some waters.

Fishing techniques and tackle

A light spinning rod of around 1.8-2.1 metres in length with a matching reel and 2-3 kg line is ideal. A suitable rig consists of a light running ball sinker above a 40 cm leader with a size 1-6 baitholder  hook. Redfin can be caught at various times of the day with evening being the most productive period. Redfin will also feed very actively just before a storm or change of weather on a warm day.  Larger specimens are generally caught through winter and early spring. Lure fishing is very effective for redfin. Popular patterns include metal spoons and wobblers, bibbed hardbodies and spinning  lures with revolving blades. Soft plastic lures which resemble small fish are also highly recommended. Jigging a lure around dead trees from a boat is another proven method.

Baits

Popular baits include earthworms, scubworms, minnows and yabbie. Retrieving baits very slowly along the bottom will often entice redfin to bite at times when a stationary presentation is being  ignored.

Locations

Most waters in central Victoria will produce redfin and include Cairn Curran Reservoir, Lake Eppalock, Lake Fyans, Pykes Creek Reservoir, Malmsbury Reservoir and the Loddon, Campaspe and  Coliban Rivers. Productive waters in the south west include Wurdee Boluc Reservoir, Lake Purrumbete and the Barwon River.

Sustainable fishing techniques

• Hook damage is the most significant cause of fish dying after being released. Deep-hooked (gills, gut) fish are far less likely to survive.
• Fish with a tight line so that fish are less likely to swallow the hook.
• Increase the size of your hooks to prevent small fish swallowing them.
• Avoid suspending fish on the hook.
• Fish hooked in the mouth or lip have the best chance of survival.
• Remove the hook with long nosed pliers.
• If you can’t see the whole hook protruding from the mouth of the fish don’t try and remove it.
• Cut the line and release the fish.
• Wet your hands before handling the fish.
• Avoid touching the gills and eyes.
• Return the fish as quickly as possible.