Quote Originally Posted by shuclan View Post
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
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.