I agree with half minnows, at least down here in the west. I have had excellant luck with Red and Pink hooks. Usually use spreaders with bling, especially as the season progresses. I haven't used frozen shinners yet as I've been lucky enough to get live ones but I would bet those processed ones were the main reason for your lack of fish. But just like the walleye bite tends to differ as you go east I think maybe that also goes for the perch. And as much as I hate to do it keeping the motor running makes a difference most of the time.