Walleye and Perch Help, please

I will be attending my family reunion near Ft. Wayne, Indiana on 7 Aug., and I plan on fishing the western basin on 8 and 9 Aug., and would greatly appreciate any help I can get with respect to general areas to fish for Walleyes and Perch. I joined the Air Force in 1980, and between my Air Force time and civilian time working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, I was able to retire in 2007, although I have continued working for Defense contractors since then, and I've spent a lot of time in some not so fun places over the last few years, so I am finally getting a chance to attend my family reunion, after missing it the last 5 years. WaliDave had helped me in the past, and I have sent him several messages, but he has not responded, and I have not seen any blogs from him, so I hope everything is OK, as he was very helpful to me in the past. I am bringing my son and boat along and would like to fish on the Western basin for walleye and perch. I would appreciate any info on general areas to fish for casting and areas for trolling. Also, general areas to find perch. I've been watching recent posts, and have a few ideas on where to look for both walleyes and perch, but would appreciate info on best lures for casting and trolling. A spreader with minnows seems to be the choice for perch, so I will probably pick some up at a bait shop. I would also appreciate thoughts on best boat ramp(s) to use for western basin. I used to fish the western basin as a teenager in the late 1970's, but things have changed a lot since then. Sorry for the long post, and appreciate any help I can get.
Phil

ive been having success inside of kelleys for perch and out between islands for walleyes. perch are average size but plentiful, walleyes are about ten throwbacks to 1 keeper but lots of fun

I would suggest catawba state Park or Mazuriks access located off of state Rte. 163 east towards lakeside Marblehead area . Catawba would give you pretty quick run towards green and rattlesnake islands or G and H cans of camp perry firing range area. All those areas have been holding perch and eyes. Mazuriks access would allow for a quick run to Kelley's island area. Usually decent numbers of perch and eyes in that area as well. As far as casting I always make my own weapon rigs but they can be bought at the baits hops. Although I do know of several people who do throw weight forwards and do well also. If trolling there's a ton of different tactics to learn however plan on jet divers, dipsys, and inline weights if using crawler harnesses. Most importantly.......I believe it's in your best interest to always use fluorocarbon at least on your casting rigs or trolling leaders. Hope this helped some.

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Originally Posted by shuclan

I will be attending my family reunion near Ft. Wayne, Indiana on 7 Aug., and I plan on fishing the western basin on 8 and 9 Aug., and would greatly appreciate any help I can get with respect to general areas to fish for Walleyes and Perch. I joined the Air Force in 1980, and between my Air Force time and civilian time working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, I was able to retire in 2007, although I have continued working for Defense contractors since then, and I've spent a lot of time in some not so fun places over the last few years, so I am finally getting a chance to attend my family reunion, after missing it the last 5 years. WaliDave had helped me in the past, and I have sent him several messages, but he has not responded, and I have not seen any blogs from him, so I hope everything is OK, as he was very helpful to me in the past. I am bringing my son and boat along and would like to fish on the Western basin for walleye and perch. I would appreciate any info on general areas to fish for casting and areas for trolling. Also, general areas to find perch. I've been watching recent posts, and have a few ideas on where to look for both walleyes and perch, but would appreciate info on best lures for casting and trolling. A spreader with minnows seems to be the choice for perch, so I will probably pick some up at a bait shop. I would also appreciate thoughts on best boat ramp(s) to use for western basin. I used to fish the western basin as a teenager in the late 1970's, but things have changed a lot since then. Sorry for the long post, and appreciate any help I can get.
Phil

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Arround B Can is excellent for both, I dock at Magee east marina , Great place to launch and great people, you can google for location!

Thanks Captain Tacky! I really appreciate the help. Do most perch fishermen use smaller minnows for bait, like the size you would use for crappies, or do they use larger minnows like the those that are used for springtime walleye jigging? I've noticed conversations on-line about the different types of minnows that are found in the baitshops around Erie, and I want to make sure we don't buy the wrong kind. Thanks again for your help, I really do appreciate it very much.
Phil

Thanks M.A.D. Eyes! This gives me a lot of options for several days of fishing, so I really appreciate your help. As I told Captain Tacky, my biggest concern now is finding the right minnows for the perch and a bait shop to buy them. I've seen some posts that have recommended a few places, but if you can tell me if there are good bait shops around the Catawba State Park or Mazuriks area, that would be very much appreciated. Thanks again for all of your help.
Phil

Thanks for your help, Troy. Do you use Mazuriks for access? Appreciate any advice on minnow size/type for perch and bait shops to find them. Thanks again for your help.
Phil

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Originally Posted by shuclan

Thanks for your help, Troy. Do you use Mazuriks for access? Appreciate any advice on minnow size/type for perch and bait shops to find them. Thanks again for your help.
Phil

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Emerald shiners are popular and usually most desirable. Call any of the bait shops to see if they have them, ask for a price too. Keep them alive using an Aerator. Some are used whole or cut in half to release a scent. I like to use Mustad "Central Draught" hooks, size 28 on a spreader or on a vertical Crappie rig.
(If on this site, you might want to go back a few weeks and read about conversations we had using white perch belly meat and frozen minnows). Also, go on line and look up how to make a Crappie rig, very simple to do. Some Spreaders are sold plain and simple others have beads, bling and more bling.
As for launching, you can look up the Marinas and public launch areas. One marina, Meinkies, is a half hour east of Toledo that will take you right out to the Water Intake, a popular area for Perch a few miles offshore. Drive further east on Route 2 and you'll find more Marinas, baits shops, cleaning, etc. (Best fish cleaning is at Cutchers, just off 2, east of Davis-Besse). Keep an eye out for packs of boats anchored, they might be on a school. Hope for a nice westerly wind with 2 or 3 footers.
Keep in mind that if the conditions are just a little too rough for your boat you can always try to get on a "Head Boat" out of Sandusky, The Cleavelander, (usually for perching), or in Port Clinton, Sassy Sal, Shore 'Nuf and a few more. Ask about rates and what they're targeting that day. I hope you'll post your results.
Good luck.

If you find big shiners always cut them in half. 1/2s have always out fished whole at least for me.

If you plan on using Mazuriks access there is a baits hope on the way on Rte 163 called HI way bait. They have minnows and crawlers. If you plan on using catawba state Park which you can access by St Rte 53, at the intersection of 53 and 163 there is a bait shop called Rickards. Both have websites with contact info. Hope you have a fun,safe,and productive trip Phil.

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Originally Posted by shuclan

Thanks Captain Tacky! I really appreciate the help. Do most perch fishermen use smaller minnows for bait, like the size you would use for crappies, or do they use larger minnows like the those that are used for springtime walleye jigging? I've noticed conversations on-line about the different types of minnows that are found in the baitshops around Erie, and I want to make sure we don't buy the wrong kind. Thanks again for your help, I really do appreciate it very much.
Phil

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Shiners are the best, call around or ask who has them when you are here.

If not available drive to Summit Street just over the line in Michigan to fishermans cove he gets them from a different source from Lake St. Clair almost always has them, if you dont have shiners honestly it is a waste to even go out although some will tell you they catch well on Goldies and other type bait I have been fishing lake Erie 50 YEARS and assure you there is a difference.

I always freeze my left over shiners put them through a strainer and put in baggies with salt. they work well.

Veteran.. I would be honored to take you and son out on me looks like at this point I can go Monday Aug 8. , I have a 25 ' Grady White walk around . P.M. me if interested.

Captain Tacky,
Thanks for the kind words and offer. I may just take you up on that offer. I am bringing my boat, which is a nearly 20 ft. long Nitro 290 Sport w/200 Verado, and it's a good boat in wind/waves, but I'd much rather be in your Grady White if it's breezy or high waves. Grady White's are awesome boats for sure. I will PM you for details.
Phil

Captain Tacky,
I have printed off a document with all of the bait shops and addresses listed, along with phone numbers, so I will start calling around to see about finding some shiners. Thanks again for your help. You've been gracious and very helpful, and I really do appreciate that.
Phil

Thanks for the help, Mark. I have some crappie rigs we used at Kentucky lake that have an egg shaped sinker with a couple of hooks above the sinker. I will probably get some spreaders, as it sounds like those are a pretty popular option. I will do my homework to find emerald shiners if possible. Does anyone do any good on the regular shiners that most people use for crappies? Those shiners are usually about 2 inches long but don't have the silvery sides like the emerald shiners. You can usually find those in bait shops around the area I am staying in Angola, Indiana. Thanks again for your help.
Phil

Thanks, M.A.D. Eyes. I am leaning towards using Mazuriks right now. I will post my results when I get back from fishing. Thanks again for your help, I really do appreciate everyone who has offered help. You don't always find people who are willing to help in today's society, so this has been very refreshing, to say the least.
Phil

Thanks for the recommendation, my fellow veteran. I suspect that if I can find some emerald shiners, they will be larger than what I consider a crappie minnow, which is about 2 inches long, so if I get the large shiners, I will cut them in half. Do the perch eat both sections of the minnow, or do they prefer the head and front part of the body? I perch fish in South Dakota, through the ice, and the perch there usually will not eat the tail section. Thanks again for your help.
Phil

I have not noticed a difference.

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Originally Posted by Bggeary

I have not noticed a difference.

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Perch are nosey....

That's what a Head Boat Captain told me. And in that light I will try several ways to attract them. At times I'll fish 2 poles, one with a spreader without bling and the other will have a vertical set up with snelled hooks, Eagle Claw, style 121, size 2 or 4, about 12 inches apart. (When I'm on a school there is only time for one pole, however). And yes you do want Emerald Shiners, so don't let the Bait shop try to sell you "flatheads" or "goldies". Some might tell you there's no difference....HA. Some try to sell you a mixture, be careful. If a couple of goldies are in a scoop OK, but if only half are Emeralds, walk away. (That's why it's always best to call first). Again, go back a few weeks and read about using the belly meat from white perch, a real money saver.

If I have large minnows I'll cut them in half for the scent or leave them whole for the "action"....remember, Perch are nosey. And as BG said there is no noticeable difference between heads and tails. I might change the plain spreader to one with some bling to help attract them, doesn't always work but then you never know? Some people use a device that rattles and clangs under water, but I've never tried that. Some will pull up and reset the anchor to attract them, seems that when you stir up the bottom a little it might release something for the fish to eat. Even starting the engine after a long delay can turn them on, not always though. I know one guy who puts down a chum bag with cat food and vegetable oil in it. (there's a joke in here about catfish, but I can't recall it).

The Captain also used a spreader with longer lines that ran out about 16 inches from the end of the spreader to the hook. He had a better "feel" when the Perch hit. I too have used that method but the only drawback is that it can tangle up more easily; give and take. Not recommended for rougher seas. And last, when I feel a fish is on, I'll wait a few seconds, 10 to 20 or so, to see if another perch might try to hit the other bait. About half the time it works so don't be in a rush to reel in the first one. And yes it might spit the hook while you're waiting but I figure he was hungry when he got here and he'll still be hungry when he comes back!

If you're interested in rod building or other fishing supplies call or visit Jann's Netcraft.com in Maumee, OH.

Add a third hook where you put the sinner. Half your fish will come on the bottom hook. It's always worked well for me

You have to be realistic in your approach to shiners! If there is a full moon then you may not get lake (Emerald)shiners period! They are not easily caught when the moon is full. I have had excellent luck with both fatheads and golden shiners when Emerald are in short supply.

Ask yourself this question, Do I want to run around from bait store to bait store looking for Emeralds when there is a full moon? Even if you called ahead and found out they had some those emeralds may already be gone by the time you get there. Been there done that. So is it goldens, fatheads or mix of lake shiners and goldens or fatheads or off to another bait store that said they had some emeralds when you made your call. Myself I would rather be fishing and not wasting time driving from bait shop to bait shop hoping for emeralds. I have been at this since 1955 and can tell you that in order to catch perch you have to be actively fishing and not chasing down lake shiners in your car for an hour or so.

Just last weekend I stopped at my favorite local bait store and they had no shiners so I bought 2 scoops of golden shiners and a 1 scoop of fatheads. I ended up with 27 nice perch that weighed 12 pounds at the cleaners. At the end it was to hot for me and the bite had died to non existent so I called it a day, had I ran around chasing emeralds I would have not caught the 27 that I did but would have still been hot and had a non existent perch bite when I decided to call it and come in.

I don't think there is an experienced fisherman who frequents this forum who does not believe that the Lake Erie shiner(Emeralds) are the best perch bait for Erie because they are. They would also tell you that during certain periods they are hard to come by for one reason or another. You have to flexible and adapt when things are not as expected.

A little secret to using fatheads is to smash their heads to release some scent and the goldens I smash their stomach until you can see some juice flowing out.

90% of the perch that I catch are what we say in the mud. I use 2 rods whenever possible. Lines to the bottom with an inch or 2 of slack and then either lift every 10 seconds or so or dead stick and watch your rod tip. I catch at least half my perch on a dead stick with a slight amount of slack in the line. I just want the rod to show some weight as the boat rocks and not lift that sinker off the bottom. The next thing is the use of braided line of some kind as it will allow you to feel every little thing that is happening down below and will show you on the dead stick what is happening there.

Mark,
thanks for all of the great advice. I will try to call ahead and find emerald shiners if possible. If I catch some white perch while walleye fishing, and I probably will, then I may keep them and try the belly meat trick. I like the idea of waiting to set the hook to try and hook a double. That makes a lot of sense. You've been very helpful, Mark.
Phil

Wakina,
I agree with you, I won't waste what could be hours trying to find emerald shiners, especially if they are not available. I did some google searches on emerald shiners and Lake Erie, and I saw the articles about shortages of emerald shiners in years past, so it sounds like the same thing is happening again this year. I will call a bunch of the bait shops that others have mentioned and see if they have emerald shiners. I use nanofil on my spinning rods and baitcasting rods, so I am all set there. I have a fluorocarbon leader on each rod, so the perch should not be able to see my line. Thanks again for the great advice, especially on the emerald shiners. I am driving over 600 miles from Omaha, NE to attend my family reunion and go fishing, so I don't want to be chasing emerald shiners all over the place and waste time that I could be out on the water.
Phil

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Originally Posted by shuclan

Wakina,
I agree with you, I won't waste what could be hours trying to find emerald shiners, especially if they are not available. I did some google searches on emerald shiners and Lake Erie, and I saw the articles about shortages of emerald shiners in years past, so it sounds like the same thing is happening again this year. I will call a bunch of the bait shops that others have mentioned and see if they have emerald shiners. I use nanofil on my spinning rods and baitcasting rods, so I am all set there. I have a fluorocarbon leader on each rod, so the perch should not be able to see my line. Thanks again for the great advice, especially on the emerald shiners. I am driving over 600 miles from Omaha, NE to attend my family reunion and go fishing, so I don't want to be chasing emerald shiners all over the place and waste time that I could be out on the water.
Phil

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We just had a full moon so unless there is another reason for the recent shortage of shiners(emeralds) there should be plenty available while you are here. The full moon makes catching them very hard unless there are cloudy skies, the bright moon makes the lake light enough that the net boats cannot get them to school in the numbers needed to supply the bait stores, it makes their lights ineffective. They may and that is a big may only net 2 or 3 gallons instead of the 15 to 20 or more gallons needed to supply the area bait stores.

StClair's baits behind Wild Wings gas station and A'n'J Baits have their own minnow netting operations and they supply themselves first and the other local stores get what is left. So you might want to start there in your search!

I don't think perch are line shy and I believe leaders are not a necessity.

To everyone who offered help for our trip to Erie last week, I would like to say a big thank you to all of you. My son and I managed to get out on Sunday for a little over an hour before having to return for our reunion, and we caught some perch by Kelley's, where a long line of boats had formed. We took my Brother and his son out on Tuesday, and after picking up some shiners at Jeannette's, and getting some advice about fishing around Green Island and Rattlesnake, we made our way out to Green Island, and fished just west of the island a couple of hundred yards away, along with a bunch of other boats. We motored around a bit, found a big school of perch, anchored, and did not have to move. We stopped just short of a 4 man limit, just to be on the safe side, and we tried some walleye trolling for a bit, with no luck. Our fish weighed 31 pounds at the cleaners. I am grateful to all of you for offering help/advice, and it's nice to see that the community at Walleye.com has not changed one bit over the years. Thanks again to all, and I hope to see some of you in the springtime for the jig bite.
Phil

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Originally Posted by shuclan

To everyone who offered help for our trip to Erie last week, I would like to say a big thank you to all of you. My son and I managed to get out on Sunday for a little over an hour before having to return for our reunion, and we caught some perch by Kelley's, where a long line of boats had formed. We took my Brother and his son out on Tuesday, and after picking up some shiners at Jeannette's, and getting some advice about fishing around Green Island and Rattlesnake, we made our way out to Green Island, and fished just west of the island a couple of hundred yards away, along with a bunch of other boats. We motored around a bit, found a big school of perch, anchored, and did not have to move. We stopped just short of a 4 man limit, just to be on the safe side, and we tried some walleye trolling for a bit, with no luck. Our fish weighed 31 pounds at the cleaners. I am grateful to all of you for offering help/advice, and it's nice to see that the community at Walleye.com has not changed one bit over the years. Thanks again to all, and I hope to see some of you in the springtime for the jig bite.
Phil

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Glad things worked well. Did you try using spreaders and Crappie rigs too? Were they pretty much equal in results? Did you feel a hit and leave the rig down to see if you could entice another bite?
Good eaten'.

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Originally Posted by Mark

Glad things worked well. Did you try using spreaders and Crappie rigs too? Were they pretty much equal in results? Did you feel a hit and leave the rig down to see if you could entice another bite?
Good eaten'.

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Mark,
We just used spreaders. My brother and his son tried spreaders with some bling (blades), but the perch seemed to just want a plain spreader. The bite was really consistent, and even if you missed a bite, you could still catch a fish on the remaining minnow without putting on another minnow to fill out the spread. There must have been some really good perch hatches over the years, as it seemed no matter where you fished, there were lots of perch around. Erie is an amazing fishery, to say the least.
Phil

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Originally Posted by shuclan

Mark,
We just used spreaders. My brother and his son tried spreaders with some bling (blades), but the perch seemed to just want a plain spreader. The bite was really consistent, and even if you missed a bite, you could still catch a fish on the remaining minnow without putting on another minnow to fill out the spread. There must have been some really good perch hatches over the years, as it seemed no matter where you fished, there were lots of perch around. Erie is an amazing fishery, to say the least.
Phil

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Good! Now you know what to do, where to do it and available options. Best news is that if things go as usual with the weather conditions and other factors, you might want to consider trying it again later on in September and October because that's when larger Yellows move in! And if you do end up with an abundance of fillets just ask the questions here on how to freeze them and you'll get a lot of ideas.