Perch. West of Kellys 8/2/22

[Stox]

First post of hopefully many in the years to come. Purchased a 19 Whaler this spring with the intention to get reacquainted with the Western Basin after a 20 year hiatus. I am learning much from you all and taking notes on how to catch walleye (especially) and perch. My father raised me on drift fishing with Erie Dearies in the 70's (which I still prefer) but I am recognizing the benefits of trolling so need to get in the game.

Perched West of Kelly's on Saturday at 7:30am in 28 FOW in a bank of about 30 other boats. Did not notice anyone pulling in any perch. Landed only 3 with wife and daughter. Daughter decided to chum the waters for awhile after dealing with the 2' rollers which were fully felt due to the Whaler's 'flat' beam angle. Pulled up and moved to just East of the CP breakwall in 29 FOW. There were a couple of other boats doing the same but no perch (It's a bit early in the season to be off Cedar Point I believe).

I appreciate the advice from Old Wheezer in this blog string. Does anyone have a reasonably-priced graphite rod that they'd recommend for perch fishing? I have plenty of reels but want to refit them to good rods.

Happy and fruitful fishing to you all! I am super jacked to finally be able to have some time to enjoy the sport that I grew up on!

[Stox]

Thanks to all on the feedback on line types! Very much appreciate the feedback and support!

Regarding reels for perch fishing ...... Amazon is currently offering a $31.99 deal for KastKing Royale Legend II Baitcaster, 17.64LB Carbon Fiber Drag, Cross-Fire 8 Magnet Braking System, Available in 5.4:1 and 7.2:1. I believe that I'd go with the 7.2:1. Does anyone recommend a particular brand/model/type?

All the advice is very helpful. My goal, by end of this fall, is to have posted at least 5 perching reports in and around the Sandusky, Marblehead, island area....pay it forward!

[Bbrack34]

Stox - you don't want a baitcaster for Perch fishing. You'll want a spinning reel. Depending on your budget, I've found the Daiwa Revros to be the best bang for your buck with a good drag system (I use it for variety of species bass, walleye, perch). Should be about $50.

And as most others have said, braid is the way to go for sensitivity purposes. You can get away with a less expensive/less sensitive rod and still get a good feel on those light bite days.

[LEfriend]

I agree on the spinning reels. Especially makes it easier to fish two rods. And light rod. Having said that my buddy fishes with a broomstick of a rod and a bait casting reel and will out fish most people. Go figure.

[buckeyezip]

Definitely agree on spinning reels. I have a Daiwa Revros LT 2500 that is perfect for perching. Hard to find a better spinning reel for $50 IMO

[LEfriend]

You can spend big bucks on rods. But first go to Walmart or Fish USA on line and look for Shakespeare ”micro graphic” Very moderately priced at $20 Light weight. Sensitive. You want the “light model”, not the “ultralight”. I have 6, 6.5, and 7. Depending on day and what the fish want sometimes one works better than other. I’m not a short rod guy but some folks like them and they did make them down to 5 footers too. You can spend more money for a rod but you can’t get more rod for the money than these. Good luck

[LEfriend]

Ditto on the braid. That’s the go to. But I have one spooled with mono and there are some days it out fished the braid. All about the bite and how they will take it on any given day.

[Stox]

Thanks for the feedback LEfriend! Will definitely look into the rods you suggested.

Regarding the line, I'll go with the braid. Can you recommend a line weight? My fear with going to a larger lb test (in case a walleye latches on) is that I'll lose some feel for the perch.

[buckeyezip]

8-10 lb braid is plenty for fishing the western basin of Erie

[Old Wheezer]

20 or 30lb braid. You don't need to worry about walleye breaking off. Occasionally a big sheephead will double your rod though.