Perch Bait fishing — Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Set up a simple running leger rig with a 10–15g inline or coffin lead, a short 6–8 inch fluorocarbon hooklink, and a size 6 wide-gape hook. Thread a full lobworm onto the hook, leaving a wriggling tail to maximise attraction. Cast tight to marginal features — lock gates, mooring posts, overhanging vegetation, or any visible ledges — and let the worm settle on the hard canal bed. Hold the rod or use a rest, keep a light line to the lead, and watch for confident pulls; perch will typically hook themselves against the lead on a running setup.

• —Early April on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal sees water temperatures climbing through the 8–12°C range, which brings perch out of their sluggish winter holding spots and into a pre-spawn feeding window — one of the most reliable bites of the year
• —Canal perch in spring are strongly structure-oriented; lock gates, bridge supports, mooring rings, and overhanging banks concentrate fish and provide ambush points they actively patrol at this time of year
• —Lobworm is the single most reliable bait for canal perch across all experience levels — its scent trail and movement on a static presentation triggers feeding responses even in fish that ignore lures
• —April days are lengthening but mornings remain cool, keeping surface activity low and pushing perch to feed close to the bottom near cover rather than mid-water — a ledgered presentation directly on the bed is ideal
• —The running leger lets a taking fish move off without feeling resistance, reducing drop-offs which are common when beginners fish tight lines; this suits the 'lift-and-run' bite style perch often show on bait