What is you’re name, your age and where are you from?
Rory Benn-Clibborn, 27, from Canberra.
How long have you been fishing?
I caught my first fish when I was three and haven’t put down the rod since.
How often do you go fishing?
I like to get out between 3 and 5 times a week, even if it’s just targeting schools of small Redfin!
What is your favourite species and why?
I love to catch anything and everything regardless, but I do particularly love chasing Golden Perch in impoundments. Light tackle, big fish and they can be a real challenge at certain times! I compare them closely with estuarine Bream.
How big was this fish?
Bang on 60cm. Not the biggest Golden by any means but certainly a fairly rare sight from this impoundment, although I’m sure there is plenty more like it and bigger in there.
Where was it caught?
Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
What tackle were you using?
I was using a Nitro Vapor 70, 1-3kg stick, Shimano Stradic 1000FA spooled with 5lb Power Pro “Bite Motion” Braid and 5lb Sunline Z leader.
What lure did you catch it on?
It was caught on a River2Sea Flexi Babe soft vibe with the addition of some home made assist hooks. It was also loaded with Pro Cure crawfish scent.
What was the technique?
Vertically jigging amongst schooled fish that we had located using a sounder.
What was the weather doing?
Beautifully calm and a little humid with slight cloud cover. The Barometer was at 1020 and had just began to drop.
What are you tips for anyone looking to chase this species?
Don’t be scared fish small lures and get super finesse! Golden’s respond well to lures more so associated with Bream tackle in the mainstream. They’re a hell of a lot of fun on light gear and light lines help you get the bites!
