Lures and rigs for Perchzilla: how to fish for big perch

Sportfiskare i svart keps och hoodie håller en stor abborre i båten på sjön i Perchzilla

Emil Randemo |

The perch in Perchzilla eat both crayfish and small fish, and they are used to seeing lures. Adapting lure choice to depth, season and activity usually produces the best results.

The trip at a glance

  • Destination: Perchzilla in northern Spain, near Bilbao
  • Best time: September to March
  • Species: big perch, pike and zander, catfish
  • Method: kayak with fish finder, jigs, rigs and hard baits
  • Accommodation: modern apartments, all meals included and lunch delivered to the lake
  • Travel: fly to Bilbao with transfer

Jigs, shads and crayfish imitations

Jig fishing is the foundation. Shads and crayfish imitations fished close to the bottom work year-round, and during winter and early spring, when the biggest fish appear, larger shads and crayfish fished slowly along the bottom are often the key.

Free rig for perch fishing
Free rig, one of the rigs used in Perchzilla.

Rigs for cautious fish

  • Texas rig
  • Ned rig
  • Free rig

As the water gets colder and the fish move deeper, these rigs and slower presentations are often what produce bites.

Hard baits and chatterbaits

In autumn, perch often chase prey high in the water. Shads, jerkbaits, crankbaits and chatterbaits work well then, and it is a period with many bites and fish weighing around 2–2.5 kilos.

Japanese techniques

During winter and early spring, advanced techniques from Japan can make a big difference. It is often small details in the rig and presentation that set the best days apart.

The fish finder helps

The kayaks have fish finders, and you can upgrade to Garmin Livescope. Seeing where the perch are holding and how they react to the lure makes it easier to choose the right rig and depth.

Anglers prepare a tackle box and rods by the water in Perchzilla

Prepare with Borrebutiken

On our hosted trip to Perchzilla with Borrebutiken, the trip begins with a preparation day at the shop in Trollhättan. There, you will go through equipment, lure selection and how to approach fishing for Perchzilla. If you cannot attend in person, you can receive information and advice digitally. During the trip, Borrebutiken shares its knowledge directly on the water.

Rent or bring your own

Rods and reels can be rented on site, and lures can be purchased separately. If you bring your own rods, you need to book extra baggage.

You can read about the season, kayaks and accommodation in the article about Perchzilla.

Ready for Perchzilla?

If you want to prepare properly, the trip with Borrebutiken is a great fit. Oskar from Outside Travels has been there himself and is happy to answer your questions.

See the fishing trip to Perchzilla

The trip with Borrebutiken

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Perchzilla

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No, rods and reels can be rented on site. If you bring your own rods, you need to book extra baggage.

What techniques are used?

Primarily jig fishing with shads and crayfish imitations, Ned rigs, Texas rigs and free rigs, and during certain periods, hard baits.

Is everything included in the trip?

The trip is a package including flights, accommodation, meals, transfers and a kayak. Lures, a guide and Livescope are optional extras.

Questions about the trip?

We are happy to help with planning and questions about the fishing. Call us at +46 313 758 200 or email info@outsidetravels.com.

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