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!