I have only had one day to remember around Catawba for perch in 4 years fishing the area. (about 12 trips) I'm used to Cleveland perch though which average 2 inches longer and twice as many fish.

If you are trailering to Catawba SP, why not head towards Marblehead and drop in at Mazurik's Access? From what I hear better perch fishing in front of Marblehead not out far at all. Only a few miles to Kellys if you want to get a break from a NE wind also.

Good luck,
Rickerd