Perch fishing ~ spinning rods

Greg ----Choose your "weapon" but spool it with Fireline 6 - 8# test -- or your choice of braid/Spiderwire. No stretch, unbeatable feel and sensitivity to bites, bottom, structure bouncing, even stronger swimming minnows --- and an instant solid hookset, even when you're down there deep at 50,60,70' or more. You may over hookset early on, but a little touch and a bite or two and you'll out hook the mono guys every time.

Greg, I agree with the above posts. It's not so much the rod length, it's the sensitivity, especially in the line.  But, I would not suggest a MH or one that is too soft. I think either a ML or M would work but then again different rods have different sensitivity levels.  One really has to detect sensitive tics when fishing for perch otherwise many fish will be lost. 

In my opinion, such as in fly fishing, a "fast tip" rod would be the best type. (FYI, baitcasting setups I have used work just as well as spinning and I don't see much difference.)

Not to butt in but how do you do the sinker and the hook for a single hook setup?
How far are they apart?
 I assume the hook is at the end of the line and that the sinker is 6 inches up.

ORIGINAL: pghmarty

Use a non stretch line like Power-Pro or other braided 6-8 lb
You will be able to feel when the sinker hits the bottom and every nibble.
Use 1/2 to 1 oz weight with live minnow on a #6 hook(I like snelled sircle hooks) when it hits bottom reel in 1-3 turns.
Feel for bites on the way down.
For rods anything around 5-7 foot with medium action.
I prefer a graphite rod because it is more sensittive but usually just use my 7' med action Ugly Stick.

If you use a perch or crappie rig you might get a few doubles or even tripples.
If you have a problem with it geting tangled stick to a single hook.

I've got the same rod, and I use it for everything but small trout.  It's also what I use for throwing spoons and spinners to steelhead (not like I do that anymore because of flies).  I frikin' love that rod.  Now, I just need to find somebody with a boat to hop into to catch those perch.  Hint, hint w_w.

Ugly Stick is a good rod w/ braid.  Good fast tip. 

ORIGINAL: sixers

Not to butt in but how do you do the sinker and the hook for a single hook setup?
How far are they apart?
I assume the hook is at the end of the line and that the sinker is 6 inches up.

I assume you're talking about the drop shot rig:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/drop-shot.html

Sinker on the bottom, hook(s) above,

I use 6# but I don't suppose it would hurt to use 4#, unless you use double or triple hooks.  A double or triple bite might be too much weight.

ORIGINAL: elephanthead

bring doubles & triples in all day long on 4# fireline. No problem. Dave

Thanks for adding that.  I didn't want to see him use something that might break off.

ORIGINAL: beerman

I was wondering what the preferred length and action of the spinning rods you all use for catching perch with minnows?......6', 6'6" or 7' length?.....ML, M, or MH action?

The last few seasons I've been using a 7' ML action.  Maybe I can do better with a different rod?  Any ideas?

 
So which action is preferred....Medium Light...Medium Action...length?

Greg,
I like 6'-7' medium action rods.
Mike

I like using a 6- 6 1/2' im6 (fin nor) with stren green. I feel the the perch when they just mouth the bait and it is plenty sensitive to feel when they are really biting, IMO  with the braided you dont feel it unless they bite or nibble. The main thing is use a graphite rod