Here are pictures of the simple perch rig that I use. I took one on a white background and one on a black background so hopefully you can see what they look like!

Here is how I use them: As you noticed, there is a 1/2 oz sinker on the end. I don't use anything heavier unless there is a strong current. I hook my minnows twice through the side. The goal is to let this rig flutter down slowly to the bottom.

Once it hits the bottom, you want to tighten your line so that it is between tight and loose--just barely tight. I put my rod tip down towards the water. As the boat goes up and down with the waves, I move my rod tip up and down as not to disturb the rig on the bottom.

If I do not get a bite within 1 minute, I bring the rig back to the surface, check my bait and then slowly let it fall again.

Sometimes the perch suspend above the bottom so as the minnows flutter past them, they will follow the rig to the bottom to investigate. I have found that the less the rig moves, the more fish you catch.

The hooks are off the main line only about two inches. I have found that a bigger perch will suck the minnow in. But if the fish feels any kind of resistance, he will spit it back out. With such a short lead, I can hook the fish as soon as he touches it.