Perch Fishing

[Alaskan Joe]

Everyone seems to agree that fresh, live emerald shiners are the best bait for perch. But what is next? Live goldens? Salted emeralds?

I am asking because I am thinking about salting a small batch of emeralds, given that they were tough to come by last fall. Interested in your opinions....

[lineman49]

I think the live goldens would out fish the salted emeralds but when they are on the feed I think they hit anything. I always keep my left over emeralds. I salt them & put them in the freezer. I still have some in the freezer from last fall & I will use them. jmo.

[Mark]

Everyone seems to agree that fresh, live emerald shiners are the best bait for perch. But what is next? Live goldens? Salted emeralds?

I am asking because I am thinking about salting a small batch of emeralds, given that they were tough to come by last fall. Interested in your opinions....

I keep them alive 'til I get home and send my wife out to run a bunch of errands. Strain off the water and put them in a baggy. Sprinkle a few Tablespoons of salt in there and after a few minutes spread them out onto a sheet pan, sprinkle with enough salt to just get a thin layer on them and leave them in the freezer for an hour or two. Bag them again and store in the freezer. When using them, keep on ice. If they thaw out...Do Not Refreeze! They get stinky.