PERCH Picture Above

[vanmc]

Were all these caught last Sunday? If so where were you fishing on the lake and what were you using for bait. I have about given up for the winter and I would love to get out one last time for a nice catch like that.

Thanks

[Johnny k]

Yes that was last Sunday, but i have to say it will only get better as water temp continues to drop.Please understand that we would not keep this many every time we go out as a matter of fact we could have harvested many more but choose to release a good many jumbos perch as well as crappies in order not to hurt populations(my opinion is that 20 per person is more than enough and the state needs to change the creel limit and size. Just my opinion!)Having fished this water for more then 25 years i will tell you that these jumbos do roam and during winter months whether thru ice or open water its a matter of searching , for I have caught them from 2 feet to as deep as 62 feet which most people won't believe but there is another member on this board whom joined me several years ago as i pushed thru skim ice to reach this deep water spot near the dam. This same angler and I got into them thick and heavy in a foot or so of water casting small spoons many years back.So as far as location you have to learn to interpret your depth finder and put time in searching them out( Sunday it took me about 3-4 hours to get into a good school,so make sure you have plenty of good batteries onboard because between the cold and the constant searching they will wear down . I have 6 dedicated to my electric motors this time of year!)If you do get into them in deep water(20 plus feet take your time bringing them up because their air bladder will inflate if brought up fast and then releasing becomes a task in which you deflate the bladder.)There is no super lure, these fish are feeding on larvae,worms,snails, smaller fish as well as other morsels so baits need to match the hatch so to speak.I've caught them on numerous baits jigs,spoons,small tubes as well as live bait to name a few.These fish will get into tighter groups as temps drop making staying in them more diffic
ult in windy conditions but if you can the rewards are definitely worth facing the numbing cold.Good luck and release what you won't consume in good time so you have reason to get back on the water!

[Grim]

John -- I appreciate your comments on the selective harvest... I have to say, when I saw that picture my initial reaction was "Who the **** needs that many perch?!" But, you're absolutely right in pointing out that if we want to prevent overharvesting from becoming a problem, it is up to the state to change the regs where necessary, and anglers to recognize it and change their behavior. Thanks!