Perch fishing has seen its fair share of trends over the last 10 years, with a lot of these trends being heavily influenced by the innovative Japanese bass fishing scene. One of the hottest and most effective techniques currently making waves across the big pond is known as strolling. This article will be exploring why this method, which is rooted in older lure fishing techniques but is now gaining massive popularity, is taking over.
Based on our experiences and our insights, this article provides an in-depth analysis of strolling and offers advice, tips, and tackle recommendations to help you add another technique to your perch fishing arsenal.
What is Strolling?
Strolling is a method where the angler uses lighter fixed spool lure tackle and pintail shads to mimic natural swimming movements. This technique derived from the bass fishing scene has taken the bass scene by storm, largely due to its effectiveness in pressured fishing situations. It's a method that combines precision with subtlety, making it ideal for both competitive and pleasure angling.
There are 3 types of strolling: Hover Strolling, Mid Strolling, and Bottom Strolling.
Hover Strolling
This technique uses super lightweight tackle to allow the soft bait to free fall slowly and incorporates a more subtle action, making it perfect for targeting the upper layers of the water. Lighter jig heads and lighter lines and leaders provide a more delicate presentation.
Mid Strolling and Bottom Strolling
These techniques incorporate slightly heavier tackle to cover more water quickly and are more of a search technique. Mid-Strolling targets the mid layers, while Bottom-Strolling targets the loch/lake bed, making it a very versatile technique for various fishing conditions.
Why is Strolling So Effective Now?
Strolling isn’t a new technique; it’s a style of fishing that made a comeback in the bass scene due to several factors:
Pressured Fishing
In lakes and rivers where bass are constantly exposed to artificial lures—especially within tournament fishing—anglers think bass have adapted to avoid exaggerated movements like the wide tail kicks of traditional swim baits. Strolling offers a subtler presentation, which may be more attractive to wary fish.
When we compare that to some of the heavily fished perch fisheries, this technique can prove to be somewhat of a game changer. The ability to present a subtle bait in various parts of the water column provides the same benefits of ned rig fishing but with the added advantage of covering the water column.
Versatility Across Gear and Baits
Many of the soft baits and heads used for strolling are already in most perch anglers' tackle boxes, such as eyed/swimbait jig heads and pin-tailed shads, meaning it's a cost-effective method to adopt without needing to invest in new tackle.
Reaction-Style Fishing
Strolling can be used to trigger reaction bites, making it ideal for both fun fishing and competitive environments where covering water efficiently is key.
The Basics of Strolling
The core concept of strolling is straightforward: cast your soft bait out, let it sink to your desired depth (either upper-water, mid-water, or the bottom), and use a steady retrieve while gently shaking the rod tip to impart action in the lure. The key to success lies in the subtle rocking motion of the soft bait (ensure you practice boat-side so you can see how your rod imparts the action into the soft bait). The small, straight-tailed soft plastics, such as the Rapala Stingman, perform exceptionally well when they are allowed to glide with minimal exaggerated movement.
Pro tip: During the Autumn and Winter, 3-inch shads bottom strolling has proven especially effective. Its bite-sized profile and gentle action mimic the behaviour of real baitfish, which is crucial in colder months when perch are more lethargic. By throwing the bait on spinning tackle, anglers can use lighter lines and achieve better finesse, which is essential for success in tough conditions.
Gear Breakdown for Strolling
When it comes to tackle, most seasoned perch anglers will have a more than adequate setup to tackle this technique.
Soft Bait
The Rapala Stingman in 3 to 4-inch sizes is a good go-to option. The soft, straight-tailed design creates the perfect balance of subtle action and realistic movement.
Jig Heads
90-degree jig heads are preferred for most strolling situations as they help improve the stability of the bait, giving it a more natural rocking action. The VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jig Heads are top choices for this technique.
Rod and Reel
A fast-action lure rod, around 7-8’ in length, with a 5-15g cast weight, would cover most strolling applications. Pair it with a 2500-sized fixed spool reel spooled with 8-10lb braided main line and tipped with a 6lb fluorocarbon leader for precise control and minimal fatigue during a long day of fishing.
Strolling for Different Seasons
Strolling is an all-season technique, but the key to success lies in adjusting your approach based on water temperature and conditions.
Winter
Use smaller, more subtle baits and jig heads, such as the 3-inch pintail shad on a lighter head. This allows for a slower presentation that matches the sluggish behavior of winter perch.
Summer
Upsize your baits and switch to heavier jig heads like the 3/8-ounce Dirty Jigs Swimbait Head. Larger baits and quicker retrieves are more effective during warmer months when bass are more aggressive.
Conclusion: Why Strolling Should Be in Your Arsenal
Strolling for perch is more than just a passing trend. Its combination of subtle presentation, versatility, and effectiveness in pressured waters makes it a technique that shouldn't be overlooked. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced predator angler, adding strolling to your fishing repertoire could help on those challenging days. This technique will eventually gain some traction in the predatory world.