Perch rod

[Stox]

I'm looking for recommendations for a good perch rod under $75.00. Several rods that I used in the past had great sensitivity but bent in half (1 broke) as I pulled in a sheep head or catfish. I'd like to keep it under 6' (easier when fishing with several people on the boat). In my opinion, sensitivity is the key. So, I'm looking at either a light to ultra-light, graphite.

Are there brands and where-to-buys that anyone can refer? Thanks in advance! Hoping to bring in a few limits out of Sandusky if they ever turn on in the area this fall.....

[West Basin]

Stox,

You opened a can of shiners with this!

You'll get a lot of opinions. Yes, have a sensitive tip so you can feel those sight nibbles helps. It all comes down to learning the perch "feel". Years ago we had "perch rods" that weren't much longer than ice fishing poles. 2 1/2 - 3 feet long, with a basic Zebco reel. The rods had a nice sensitive tip but otherwise were what I'd call medium action in today's terms. That's all we (I) needed. Once you learned how to differentiate between bottom, wave weight, and perch weight or feel, those rods were fine. And a shorter rod makes hook set and reaction quicker. They were simple, easy to use and learn. Since you aren't casting and retrieving like walleye fishing, no need for a long rod. Some folks will argue that. But I think a shorter rod with a good decently sensitive tip or rod end will do fine, and is easier to use and store. And a rod like that should handle any bigger drum or catfish you may hook. It also speeds up catch, unhook, re-bait. You don't have that long pole to work with. I wish I still had some of those 'ole' "perch poles".

[Stox]

Thank you, West Basin. I'm going to try a 5'6" Ugly Stick Elite Light (partial graphite for better feel). I have broken a few short, cheap, Ultra Lite Shakespeare poles so I'm hoping the Ugly Stick holds up. I am also a firm believer that sensitivity wins the game as Ole Fisherman and Ted33 pointed out. Appreciate the feedback!

[Ted33]

I would second what West Basin just said. A shorter, stiffer rod is best for me because I can set the hook quickly and firmly. I know you didn't ask about line, but I think braid is best because you can feel more subtle activity at the bait end of the system. There is no stretch in braid so nearly all the energy gets to the rod tip. Jann's Netcraft sells a nice custom perch rod in that price range.

[Stox]

Thanks Ted33. Yes, I'm keeping it under 6'. I also use braid when perch fishing for the same reasons. I'll check out Jann's Netcraft for sure.

[Ole fisherman]

Back when I was a young lad, my folks had those short little perch rods, still have three of them out in my barn. I prefer a rod and reel with a sensitive tip, but also balance ! When perch are biting lite, I like to just firm a rung around my rod handle with thumb and finger at the balance point to be able to detect those really light nibbles. Learned that trick many years back, if you hold your rod to tight, the perch will feel the rigidity if your hold and often leave your bait alone. By allowing that rod to teeter back and forth in your thumb/ finger hold there is no drag for the fish to feel. I have a variety of lengths, but all rods have that magic sweet spot for balance. Many have been found at garage sales and swap meets....but they all have the balance point right where it is comfortable.

[Stox]

Thank you Ole fisherman! Great advice! I appreciate the feedback.

-Stox

[dansdad]

I have been using pretty much nothing but Uglysticks for the past 45 years. You can't go wrong there. I'm pretty sure you won't break one of them unless you abuse it.

[Stox]

Great to know, dansdad. Excited to move up from a cheap Shakespeare to an Ugly Stick for sure.

[Ole fisherman]

Just thinking back after reading about broken rods.....in my 60 plus years of fishing, I think I have broke two rods on fish that I can remember.....don't have enough fingers to count broken rods from stepping on them, shutting them in a door or trunk, getting the tips caught in tight spaces and snapping off
etc. etc.....but hardly ever while fighting a big fish ! Last year fought a 10# sheep ahead on my ultralight 5'....doubled in half and waiting for the snap....but it never broke.....