jon_e_si
Posts: 364
Joined: 5/4/2006 Status: offline
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Tex, I posted this re: perch boats, but it may help you! If you're taking your own gear, whether on a "perch boat" or your own, I've found a stiffer rod with braided line (less stretch & better feel) works best for me. Terminal tackle would be a spreader rig (like flounder) or crappie rig. I also use a sabiki rig (used to catch bait in FL), but you have to watch the number of hooks to comply with PA regulations! A 1 oz. sinker gets your hooks down fast and still enables you to feel (along with the non-stretch line) the very light bite. If you have multiple hooks, and have one on, let it go back, and often you'll get doubles or triples! Perch have small mouths - use a small hook - i.e. 4 or 6 or 8, Aberdeen. I've also noticed a hook with a spinner blade will sometimes catch more than just a plain hook - probably because of the flash or flutter effect. Minnows (golden & emeralds) alive or dead, seem to work best (sometimes cut in half), but don't be afraid to try other baits - shrimp, crabs (crawdads-small), worms, etc.! A piece of a nightcrawler is better than a whole one - remember - small mouths. Reeling them in - I keep my rod tip up and reel with steady pressure (no slack - don't "horse") and when they get to the surface keep them coming steadily - no slack!! Usually when you bring them up they are loaded with zebra mussels! If you're not catching anything - check your line often as they can easily steal your bait with their light bite! I use both a spinning rod and baitcaster. If you're still not catching them - move! Even on a "perch boat" switching from sunny side to shaded side or vice versa may help. Don't forget the draminine, bonine, etc. for prevention of seasickness for those who don't have their "sea legs"! Ginger and ginerale are supposed to help also! Don't forget needle nose pliers or hemostats, etc. to assist with hook removal, and a cooler with ice to keep them fresh! Any day fishing - quite enjoyable - "God does not take away from your life, the time spent fishing!" Also you'll need to locate the "perch pack" which is usually best found by finding where the other boats are anchored. Out of Walnut go northwest and out of elk go northeast - presently they're located in about 60 -65 feet of water, but don't be afraid to go shallower or deeper. Use a "Danforth" anchor -not too big" and lots of line. If you fish 60 feet of water, you'll need at least three times that length, i.e. 180 - 200'! On your sonar locate the bait fish, particularly with bigger ones lurking nearby. Set your anchor, let your line out all the way to the bottom, raise slightly, keep tension - with braided line, you should be able to feel the bite - if you're using multiple hooks - give some slack after setting the hook on the first one and let go back. You'll be surprised at the numbers of doubles & triples! Recently, I put a piece of night crawler on each of two spreader hooks and was rewarded with a 21" walleye! Good luck -- tight lines!J
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