An exciting evening of perch fishing

[CarsonNash]

Yesterday was my first day of true summertime perch fishing. Worked the rocks along the shoreline by my house after dinner to see what I could catch. Between my dad and I, we caught probaby 8 perch, all were "eating size", even though they were released. 10 Minutes in, I hooked a channel catfish that I though was a snag. Pretty good size considering I caught it 10 feet from shore.
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While all this was going on, a great blue heron was intently watching us catch all these fish. Every time I brought a perch out of the water, he took a step towards me.
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So after catching my final perch, I tossed it onto the grass and sent the heron home with a meal. It was fascinating to watch that bird pickup the fish and carry it away.
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This was not my first time feeding animals, as on a regular basis a white and orange cat follows me around as I fish the shoreline. Begging, and eventualy getting one of my perch.

All around, a pretty solid evening.

[J.A. Veil]

You are fortunate to have water access so close to your home. Enjoy it! Perch are finally filling in to many of their summertime haunts. The presence of fat and strong catfish in the Severn will keep you on your toes.

[jdindino]

I'm going to have to learn how to skin and filet catfish. I've avoided keeping them when I catch a decent eating size one for that reason - I guess no time like the present to learn.

[Mark]

Good report Carson.

You definitely made a friend with that blue heron.

I'm testing the Severn tomorrow with some fly fishing friends as we look for perch. I hope you and your dad chased a few south on the river for us.

[thedutchtouch]

I don't know how to process catfish that well but one thing I learned early on is to not forget the belly meat-its like a third fillet!