Tell me whats a keeper?

[DEAD MINNOWS]

Fathers day .First time out this year.Very good day .Alot of action.BUT what do you bring home?Since i am the only one who cleans the fish.I say nothing under 10in. Does anyone agree?Were talking perch now.Not bluegills.

[MsDebbie]

I only fish for perch when the frost comes , never keep anything under 9" , I heard the rule of thumb east of Huron is 10" fish. I fish primarily in the Marblehead area good luck butch

[Ridgerunner]

I don't like keeping small perch, but if it is hooked deep and looks as if it going to die I will keep it as one of my count. It is still bigger than pop corn shrimp and I eat them. Just my thoughts, enjoy the season.

[lines down]

to me 9-10 inch perch are keepers all day long. have to agree with ridge runner though, deeply hooked fish should be kept and counted against limit instead of throwing back a fish that will certainly die and become food of those flying rats. (ie seagulls) fish under 9 inches should be put back if they are healthy. just my opinion

[4dabucks]

I have heard you should never throw a perch back no matter how small. I was told that if you throw any perch back it will die because they are unable to get their air bladder back down.

[Ridgerunner]

I have heard you should never throw a perch back no matter how small. I was told that if you throw any perch back it will die because they are unable to get their air bladder back down.

( I have been told)
If the only problem is the bladder being up, you can use the hook and put a small hole in the bladder then release the fish. Keep your net close by if the fish floats net it and count it. Try it see if it works. Have a good season.

[DEAD MINNOWS]

I will what do u do ? Just prick it with your hook?

[DEAD MINNOWS]

Thats what I say. Be cool ty