perch fishin

[Mark]

Hello,
We have to spend more time to find them and 'feel' them this time of Perch Season and it's 'hit or miss' more so than not. Just wondering about the eating size of Yellow Perch. Some have told me that the Jumbo's from the Eastern Basin taste about the same and others have said that the big (12-14") just don't taste as good...they're OK, but just not as flavorful. Have any of our Western/Central Basin folks noticed a real difference? We could get into a debate about the nice Canadian inland lakes and their Perch, but, for conversation, let's keep this in Ohio--PA--NY Lake Erie.

[LEfriend]

Personally, for me, 9-10 is the best eating perch, east or west. Give me a cooler of those to take home and I'm a happy camper. I do think the 11-12's and up get a little stronger flavor. But I have yet to see anyone turn one of those down when I fry one up and they sure are fun to catch.

I think one thing that really does help is to take the skin off once the get around 11 or up! I think that makes a noticeable difference.

Having said that, if you know where to find some 14's, lets go!

[Mark]

I've heard that the inland lakes in upper Canada have them on a regular basis, but you have to fly in, $$$?
I also have seen some on the videos of guys fishing on Lake Michigan, YouTube might have a few. And notice the colors of MI fish, sort of grayish compared to Erie's.

Personally, for me, 9-10 is the best eating perch, east or west. Give me a cooler of those to take home and I'm a happy camper. I do think the 11-12's and up get a little stronger flavor. But I have yet to see anyone turn one of those down when I fry one up and they sure are fun to catch.

I think one thing that really does help is to take the skin off once the get around 11 or up! I think that makes a noticeable difference.

Having said that, if you know where to find some 14's, lets go!