Nile Perch
name: Nile Perch
other names: Silver Perch
Nile perch are silver in colour with a blue tinge. They have a distinctive dark black eye, with a bright yellow outer ring. They are similar to barramundi, however nile perch are capable of breeding in freshwater, whereas barramundi require seawater to breed. They have very large tail, the first dorsal is spine. One of the distinguishing things about Nile Perch is the size of their extending mouth. They in fact can catch prey at least three quarters their own size.
Nile perch are native to Africa and occur naturally throughout the Ethiopian region of Africa, in Lakes Albert, Turkana and Rudolph, in the brackish waters of lakes such as Lake Mariout and also occur commonly in all major river basins including the Nile, Chad, Senegal, Volta and Zaire. Lake Nasser is the greatest venue in the world for wild Nile perch. These fish frequent margin drop off and also sunken islands. Nile Perch like to hide behind structures typically large rocks to attack their prey.
Adult Nile perch feed on fish, larger crustaceans and insects. Juveniles of the species are herbivorous. Nile perch are also nocturnal feeders as is shown by their eyes and it is always worth fishing on well into darkness.
Nile perch can live for up to 16 years and are sexually mature at 3 years of age. All nile perch are born males and at 3 years of age turn into females. Perch move into shallow calmer areas to breed and large females can often be seen surrounded by groups of small males. Breading for the males is a dangerous time as the larger females are capable of eating their smaller partners than mate with them.
There are various ways to fish for Nile Perch and each way demands different tackle. What ever tackle you take it needs to be in tip top condition as any weakness these fish are sure to find it. For trolling from boats you can use either boat or up-tide rods of 20 - 30lb class and between 6' and 9'. These need to be coupled with medium sized multipliers capable of holding 300 yards plus of 30lb line. We like to use the Penn Internationals 12lt as these will hold all the line and give you that added advantage of a lever drag system, but any multiplier that is capable of the line quality is ok. To do shore fishing you will need heavy strong rods with extra length to allow you to keep those fish away from the rocks under your feet and also aid with casting lures out. We have used in the past stepped up carp rods in the 2 3/4 to 4lb test cure range. Reels should be big enough to hold at least 250 yards of 20 - 30lb monofilament or braid. Do not underestimate the strength of Nile perch, and equally the terrain they inhabit. For both trolling and shore fishing we prefer braid as the advantages out way any disadvantages. Braid allows you to feel the lures working while trolling and to feel your lures bouncing the bottom. for trolling fire line is fantastic in the 50lb class this braid will give you enough abrasion resistance to cope with any fish. We have landed many fish over the 100lb mark up to 176LB and never been cut off. For shore fishing we use 5olb whiplash as this is a very low diameter braid which aids the casting, sinking and working of your lures again we have never had a problem with this braid and have accounted for many 80LB plus fish. For leaders you will need 100LB mono. You will also need a length of 8 feet to not only protect you from the rocks but also provide abrasion resistance against a 100LB fish for as they twist , turn and jump their rough gill plates will cut you through. Join your leader and main line with a double main line leader secured with a Bimini twist or similar knot. For hooks you need to replace all hooks and split rings that are supplied with all manufactures of lure, they are just not strong enough. Nile Perch are capable and will straighten hooks and split rings with a uncanny ease. Change to Mustard 5X or VMC. Swivels and snaps also need to be in the 150lb class but make sure you bring black ones as there is nothing more annoying than have a tiger fish go for your swivel, cut you off and loss you a lure and even worse a fish. For Lures well again Nile Perch take great pride in destroying expensive lures so you need to chose wisely. The type of lures you require also depends on the time of year you are fishing as in the winter months most time is spent predominately trolling and what shore fishing you do the Perch will be tight to the bottom. Please Contact Us and we will advise complete lure patterns for your trip dependant on the time of year. Fly fishing is becoming more popular for Nile Perch and if you are a fly fisherman than these fish have to be for you. For tackle you will need: Rods - For Perch 9ft 10 to 12 weight for tigers 9ft 7 to 8 weight. Reels need to be able to hold a full spool of your chosen line weight and lots and lots of strong backing in the 20 to 30lb class. For line you will need fast and ultra fast weight forward line. For tigers bring a medium sinking line. Flies are any tarpon, sailfish and marlin flies will work well as long as they are tied to strong hooks. Remember these fish are renowned for straighten hooks. Best colour's are reds, whites, silver and blue.
