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Perch

 (Flavescens, fluviatilis and shrenkii)

 

Perch is a common name for several types of fish species; yellow perch (perca flavescens), European perch (perca fluviatilis) and balkharsh perch (perca schrenkii). They are freshwater fish that are carnivorous, and commonly found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Their diet consist of shellfish (crayfish), small fish and (depending on their size) aquatic insects. They are a very popular fish among anglers and many other fish that resemble them are called perch, but these other fish are actually members of another genera. Perch swim in schools and tend to be most active at dawn and dusk when feeding.

 

You can identify a yellow perch by its brass-colored body with distinct green-olive, triangular shaped bars that run vertically along its body.
The general body type of a perch is somewhat long and rounded. True perch have "rough" or ctenoid scales. On the anterior side of the head are the maxilla and lower mandible for the mouth, a pair of nostrils, and two lidless eyes. On the posterior sides are the opercula, which protect the gills, and the lateral line system, which is sensitive to vibrations in the water. They have paired pectoral and pelvic fins, and two dorsal fins, the first one spiny and the second soft. These two fins can be separate or joined.

 

Perch are carnivorous fish most commonly found in small ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers. These fish feed on smaller fish, shellfish, or insect larvae, but can be caught with nearly any bait. They commonly spawn during the spring, when the females lay strings of eggs in covered areas such as near branches or underwater plants. Even though Perch can be found all over the world, they are most likely found in the Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie.

Perch are popular sport fish species. They put up a fight, and they are good eating. They can be caught with a variety of methods, including float fishing, lure fishing and legering. The best way is to use a small hook and cast into the weeds just before the drop off. When fishing with bait, the angler will want to have a disgorger; perch are notorious for swallowing the hook, and will need aid of a disgorger or forceps for unhooking. In many parts of the world, they are also a favourite species among ice fishermen. They will take a variety of baits, including minnows, worms, maggots, goldfish, pieces of raw bacon, and softshell crayfish, but seem to prefer small fish, lobworms, red maggots, and lures. Fly fishing for perch using patterns that imitate small fry or invertebrates can be successful. The record weight for this fish in Britain is 6 lb 3 oz, and in America 6 lb 4 oz.

Perch grow to around 5 lb or more, but the most common fish to be caught are around 1 lb or less, and anything over 2 lb is considered a prize catch.

How To Catch Perch

  • The Right Artificial Lures – Artificial lures can work well, but you need to pick out the right type- otherwise you are wasting your time. We recommend using a set of poppers as well as a lightweight jig.

  • The Best Live Bait – Live bait is usually more effective than artificial lures. One of the best baits to use are soft shells (crayfish). This type of bait works all year round. If soft shells aren’t available then minnows will work just as well in cool water while night crawlers will work better in warmer water.

  • Use a Crappie Rig – A crappie rig is a great way to catch perch and also see what they might be biting on in your area. We like to rig up different types of live bait on our crappie rigs and see what they are striking on. Once we know, we’ll double up our rig with the bait that works and then wait for a bite. Nothing is more exciting that nailing 2 jumbo perch in one shot. If you’re not a fan of crappie rigs then a simple slip bobber setup will work just as well.

  • Don’t Get Mugged – Perch are notorious bait thieves and you’ll want to make sure you use a small hook to prevent them from getting away. Also try to keep your bait on the tip of your hook to better improve your chances of setting a hook when a perch strikes it.

  • Don’t Waste Time – When you catch your first perch don’t waste time removing the hook and re-baiting. Perch are schooling fish and where you find one you’ll find many more. Their schools don’t stay in one place for long, so make sure once you find a school you fish it as fast as possible; hence the use of a crappie rig as mentioned above.

 


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It is important that people who fish follow all fishing rules and regulations.
These rules help conserve fish populations and also help anglers be successful.
Regulations may limit the size of, number of, and season that a type of fish may be caught, and may require a license to fish. In some cases, only “catch and release” fishing is allowed, which means the fish must be let go. Some bait is illegal in certain areas.
Contact your state wildlife agency by visiting Our Rules and Regulations Page.

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