Perch Springtime – The Outdoor Women

perchPerch are caught to be eaten. Study their habits, learn what they bite on and the equipment to be used. If I were just starting to angle for perch before the water warms to 40 degrees, I would look on the outside of a weedline in about 10 to 20 feet of water. Another trick is to watch the sky for swooping shorebirds feeding over the water. Below are schools of perch feeding on shad or other baitfish. Perch heaven.

When the water temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees, the fish move into low spots in a bay or lake in the low areas. Once the water temperature goes above 50 degrees, the perch move back to the deeper water. Despite the season perch will hit on worms, minnows, or small yellow or white jigs tipped with either a worm or minnow.

When you feel the tap– tap of a strike set the hook hard, and use a steady retrieve to the net. In the spring perch will hit on a small spinner or small crank baits. Remember, perch are a schooling fish by age, so if you catch one fish you should catch a bucket full. I like an ultra-lite rod and reel, 4 to 6 pound test line, a # 10 hook, and a split shot. Once prepared, lower your line to the bottom and then raise it about 12 to 18 inches from the bottom. You are now in perch catching territory and remember perch are caught to eat so only take enough for dinner.

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