When watching from the periphery, fishing might seem an easy task. After all, you only need certain tools and should know what to do. Well, you might be wrong. Fishing requires a combination of skills, right equipment and knowledge of both the fish you want and the fishing ground.
In this article, we focus on fishing for perch fish. You will find detailed information about the fish, equipment required and tricks for fishing for it.
About Perch
There are over 6000 species of more than 150 different families of fish. Perch is a common name for a freshwater fish belonging to the Percidae family. These fish are found all over United States waters and the world. The most popular types of fish are the white perch, the climbing perch, the yellow perch and the silver perch.
Although various types of perch may have different characteristics and looks, there are common facts that apply to all of them. To begin with, the fish all grow to about 10 to 20 inches long. The color of the perch will depend on the breed. Some of the perch are named based on their color. For instance the yellow perch has a black over yellow color on the body, and 6-8 dark bands on the sides.
Perch Fishing Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
#Fishing Rod and Reel
Pack the right equipment. The rod and reel are the main tools for fishing. However, you may prefer an alternative like a net.
#Live Bait
Perch fishing techniques have evolved over the years. However, there is one that has stood the test of time: live bait. Perch love for food and this is their natural hunting drive. Live bait such as crawfish are a better lure than any artificial lures. You can also use night crawlers when in warm water and minnow in cold water to get your target fish.
#Red Maggots
Maybe it is for their color or some other reason, but perch are mostly attracted to red maggots than other things. Therefore, the easiest way to call perch fish is to feed some red maggots into the water. When the fish are near you, pull away the red maggots and present a hook with a worm.
TIP: Avoid presenting too many maggots such that the perch will fill up on and then swim away.
#Artificial Lures
Artificial lures can be a complete waste of your time unless you know the right ones to use. With perch fish, the best artificial lures to use are poppers and lightweight jigs.
#Fishing Hook
A hook is the principal tool used to catch the fish. It is as important as the rod and reel. For perch, carry a small hook for a better chance of catching them.
#Hook Remover
Sometimes, the hook will go deeper than you thought, becoming complicated to remove. A hook remover will come in handy at this time as it has been specifically designed for that work.
#Fish at Dusk
Perch feed around dusk. Therefore, this is the best time to fish for them. If you go fishing when the sun is up, going home with a catch will be nearly impossible. Timing is vital when you want to get a catch.
#Sheltered Area
Perch also hunt for food. Therefore, they mostly hide in sheltered areas to launch a surprise attack on their prey. Therefore, when fishing on a pond or lake, position yourself near wooden platforms, lilies, or tree roots than at the more open areas. This will increase your chances of catching perch fish.
#Be Swift
The moment you feel a bite on your line and suspect you can reel in a perch fish, act swiftly. If you feel the bait is not enough, quickly add more and place the line back inside the water. Perch usually move as a pack when hunting. Therefore, when you catch one, there is a high probability there are more in the area. So, if you act quickly, you can catch others.
#Watch Your Bait
Perch are clever fish. They can steal bait from the hook and swim off without being caught. To prevent this and catch them, use small hooks. Also put your bait at the very tip of the hook so that the moment the perch tries to grab it, it gets stuck.
#Crappie Rig
A crappie rig, or even a simple slip bobber setup in its place, will not only help you catch fish but also determine other things in the fishing ground. Rigging up various bait types can help you determine the one that gets the job done faster.
Things to Bring on Your Perch Fishing Trip
#Map
When going out fishing, especially in newer grounds, carry a map or a fish finder with a map. It is easy to get lost in the waters because fishing is involving and requires a lot of concentration. When you have a map, it will be easier to find your way back.
#Fish Finder
To ensure you will go home with a catch, fish in an area with a high population of the fish you are looking for. To make your work easier, get a fish finder that uses sonar to locate the fish. One challenge you may however face is not be capable of differentiating the type of fish.
#Waterproof Bag
When fishing from your boat, your things can get wet. Having a waterproof bag will ensure the safety of your items.
#Fishing Gear
Must-have fishing gear like gloves to protect your hands and a hat to shield you from the sun are as important as the fishing tools.
#Knives
Carrying a knife on your fishing trip. When in the water, you may need to engage in tasks that need a knife, such as cutting a line. If you don’t have a knife, you’ll have to wait until you are back on land to do such tasks.
#First Aid Kit
When preparing your boat to go out on the water, pack a full first aid kit. You can never know what will happen when out in the water.
#Best Bait
Some people carry just any bait when going fishing. Most of these people go back home frustrated with no fish or with the wrong fish they went for. To avoid this, prepare the correct bait for the fish you are going for.
For perch fish, carry live bait like soft shell animals, night crawlers or minnows. Alternatively, use artificial bait.
Conclusion
Fishing is an interesting recreation activity. Some people also fish for a living. Whatever your reasons are, if you are into perch fishing, learn the tricks that make you a successful fisherman.
The above tips will improve your perch fishing skills.
