COLD WATER PERCH - PART 2

Author's note: I experienced a delay in posting this blog. I had to disconnect my computer yesterday to have new flooring installed in my office - a part of the complete remodeling of our home here in Upper Michigan. When I reconnected, the infernally slow satellite connection I have here for internet access began installing updates which took many hours and would not allow me to log on.

In any case, this is part two of the late season perch fishing blog. I hope you enjoy it.

“Disturb” the Bottom

Cast this rig out and work it by holding the rod tip high to keep the line angle as sharp as possible. Reel it in at a pace that keeps the sinker bumping bottom, trailing small “clouds” of silt as it moves along. I think this imitates the feeding action of some fish or other bottom creatures. It definitely gets perch to pay attention! You can try stopping on occasion, but in most cases I am on a search when casting this way and I want to cover water. If you can see submerged weed patches, slow your rig as you pass them.

Working Weeds

As you might imagine, there are going to be times when perch are holding in areas where too many weeds exist to use the egg sinker rig I mentioned. In this case, set up medium action spinning gear, six or eight pound test line, and tie on a Lindy “Veg-E-Jig. It will come through the vegetation cleanly, yet hook fish as effectively as a plain hook. One-sixteenth to one-eighth ounce sizes are best.

Bait for Bites

Minnows are a proven fall favorite, but half-crawlers work as well. As for leeches, try them if you want. I have found them in the bellies of perch taken while ice fishing so I know late-season fish hit them.

A good alternative is to buy frozen crayfish tails (where legal) in bulk. Each tail can be cut in strips, or used whole if you run a larger hook. Size #1 or #2 hooks are not too large for perch. Frozen tails are easy to keep in a cooler and simple to store between trips.

Scent for Success

This is one time of year when a good scent really makes a difference in your catch rate. I like those scents made from real baits – especially crayfish. Place a small amount in a plastic container on the floor of your boat so you can quickly “dip” your bait rather than trying to squirt it on.

Bring a Backup

Finally, having a good “back-up” rig can increase your catch on almost every trip. I favor a soft action six and one-half to seven foot spinning rod set up with a slip float rig. Rather than tying on a plain hook with this gear, try using a System Tackle (Lindy) “Rattl’n Hooker”. This a hook with a small “rattle tube” attached to the shank. It is also brightly colored to increase visibility.

Pay attention to the average depth of the flat you are working, and have your slip float rig pre-set to a depth common to the spot. Flip this rig out in the spot you are casting toward and let it “fish itself “. Once in a while, take in some slack and shake the rod tip to make the rattles clack a little.

In closing, I’ll say, fish aggressively! Perch roam around looking for feeding opportunities, and you need to cover water to find them. Pick large flats close to deep water and make drifts that help you cover as much area as possible. These tasty panfish will probably hold in the shallows until after the lake freezes solid.

Copyright Ray Hansen, 2008