This time of the year, perch fishing rules supreme out on Lake Erie and many other areas on the Great Lakes. One of the most common questions I have gotten since my return from God’s country, otherwise known as the Upper Peninsula is this, “What do I need to go perch fishing?” This is my answer to that question, your basic (or not so basic) homemade/store bought perch kit.
I start off with a kitty litter box of all things to store all the goodies I need and use while perching out on Erie.
Next I have a selection of weights that fit nicely into a Plano 3500 sized tackle tray. Although 1/2, 3/4 and 1 once weights are the most commonly used size, I have some split shot and other items that could come in handy.
It seems like you have to cater to the wants of the fish, so even though last year it seemed as if the perch wanted the vertical rigs, I still carry a couple of horizontal spreaders with me when I go out on the lake. These are the harder to find model of spreader because you add your own weights. I like these best for keeping a tight line in all kinds of wind conditions because you can adjust as you need to.
Next up, I have tied an assortment of snells to put on the spreaders and rigs. Some of the long shaft gold hooks, to go along with my Mustad Ultra Point #6 and #8 livebait hooks. I have added some beads and flickers to them, trying to match up the presentation with the size of the hook.
Next up I have three rolls with the perch rigs that I made up with the 4 inch lears purchased from Jann’s Netcraft in Ohio. Two rolls are the double lear rigs, while one roll is made up of single lear/arm rigs.
When placed into the cat litter container, I have a complete perch fishing kit made up and ready to go. It takes up a small amount of space in the boat, and still contains everything I need to have a great day on the water.
All the weights can be purchased at local shops, you just need some snaps, swivels, lears and I did use some 20 lb Big Game clear mono from Berkley. You can actually go higher or lower if you wish. The snells were made with 15 lb Big Game, the stiffness of the line allows for it to hang better from my experience over the years. You can pick up the Plano tray from any Gander Mountain, Dick’s or Bass Pro Shops fishing/marine department. If you are fortunate enough to live near Frank’s Great Outdoors or Jay’s Sporting Goods, they have ‘em too.
do you fish st clair? what is your favorite color/ rig, horizontal or vertical? use all long shank to make-up snells? ever tried the red hooks? have you seen that knot tying tool? thanks good luck and be safe,god bless us all.!!
the above is my comment
Years ago Joe I used to go up in the spring and muskie fish while they were on the American side, but its been years. Would like to get up there during the ice season and get some perch though. Horizontal vs Vertical, depends on the fish, would say vertical though based on last years results. Only long shanks I use are the gold hooks, do use some short shanks from Mustad, and never fell for the red hook trap. Seriously do not think it matters. Colors, a single glow bead works great right above the hook.
I knew I forgot part of your question as soon as I headed out the door to go perch fishing today, I have tried a certain type of hook tying tool, the metal tube with the plastic molded piece. It works, but takes way too much time for me.