How to get bigger perch?

[rickerd]

Yes I use a size 4 hook to start. many of the smaller perch won't get hooked. We throw back any unharmed fish under 8 inches.

I have found the "lay it on bottom" to work for better size before. But sometimes it means way less fish.

I was told by an old salt out of Whiskey Island years ago, he and his buddy would drift through the schools with a small floating rapala minnow 18 inches off a bottom bouncer. He showed us his bucket one day with a number of 14 and 15 inch fish. This was late September or early October. We had caught a few up to 13 inches that day. I've never had the guts to try it though, or shell out the money for the lures.

Rickerd

[gb1234]

Thanks, rickerd!

[huntnfish]

You could go to Port Clinton Fisheries and pick out your perch filets...even at $26 per pound it is probably cheaper....but not nearly as much fun! LOL!