Walleye and Perch Help, please

[shuclan]

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

[Bggeary]

I have not noticed a difference.

[Mark]

I have not noticed a difference.

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.

[shuclan]

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