The golden perch is a freshwater fish found in the United States and Canada. Commonly called just "perca", this fish has a light yellow color with dark vertical stripes. Its dimensions vary from 10 cm to 40 cm and usually weighs 2 kg. Its sweet and delicate meat is delicious when served deep fried.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Find the Perca
Step 1. Search the ponds, lakes, rivers and streams of North America
The perch is a fish that is easily found throughout the United States and Canada. It lives in numerous sites and is relatively easy to fish, therefore fishing for this fish is an activity accessible to everyone, not just the most experienced fishermen. Go in search of the perch especially in these areas:
- The Mississippi River;
- The Great Lakes;
- Freshwater basins in the midwest, northeastern and northwestern United States;
- Freshwater basins in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Step 2. Go perch fishing in late summer, autumn and winter
It is a fish that is always active, so technically you can catch it at any time of the year. However, the best time to fish for perch is from late summer to early spring.
- In periods when the climate is warmer, it is possible to find the perca in shallower water.
- During the winter, these fish live in deeper waters. Ice fishing for perch is very popular during the winter.
Step 3. Look for the perca at sunrise and sunset
At these times of the day, the perca mainly roams in shallower waters. It is also easy to find in the morning and late afternoon. There is no need to fish overnight as these fish are rarely active after dark.
Step 4. Fish near rocks and ledges
Like many other fish species, it is often possible to find the zander near rocky areas or near the ledges of some structures where these fish find refuge. The perca likes to move among the rocks and piles of wood, rather than spending time in totally open waters. Choose an area where there are numerous underwater structures or lush vegetation.
If you're unfamiliar with a particular lake, pond, or stream, visit your local fishing shop and ask where the perca likes to spend time. You can find the best places to fish if you consult those who have knowledge of that area
Method 2 of 3: Choose the Bait and Fishing Equipment
Step 1. Use a teaspoon bait
A 13/14 cm long teaspoon is ideal. Your aim is to be able to sense when the fish is taking the bite. However, if it's a windy day or you want to catch bigger fish, you need a slightly heavier spoon to be in control.
Step 2. Try a basic combination of fishing rod and reel
It is a popular option and is well suited for open water fishing. There are no essential rules regarding the choice of the combination between fishing rod and reel to practice perch fishing. Anything is fine, as long as you feel comfortable fishing in open waters from a boat.
- Maybe you need to consider getting a quick action fishing rod tip. This will help you sense when the fish has tried to bite, which is very useful since the perch is notoriously a bait thief.
- Get a shorter fishing rod to use during the winter. Ice fishing rods are 1 meter long.
- You should select the lightest line possible for the type of fishing you are practicing. A line capable of supporting 2 to 3 kg is preferable.
Step 3. Use a small hook
The perch has a small mouth and requires a small hook. There are numerous types of hooks, many of which are very popular, but the 0.5g or 1g jig head are the most used in perk fishing. Choose hooks with a series of skirts of different colors, because the tastes of the perch change from day to day.
Step 4. Use a live bait
The perch prefers live bait, although some fishermen have achieved good results with freshwater shrimp meat. Inquire at the local fishing shop to find out the tastes of the perch that inhabits the waters in that specific area. Here are the most popular choices:
- Freshwater fish;
- Insect larvae;
- Earthworms.
Method 3 of 3: Use Effective Techniques
Step 1. Fishing from a boat in open water in cold weather
It will be easier to reach the depths where the perch likes to spend time during the fall and winter months. It will also be easier to change locations if no fish are bitten in the area you have chosen.
Step 2. Shore fishing near structures in warm weather
This method is especially effective in early spring, when the perch tends to remain in shallower water. Look for a location near rocks, wood, or where there is lush vegetation on the bottom of a pond, lake or river. If possible, fish where a structure faces open water.
Step 3. Fish near the bottom
Regardless of the depth of the water or the time of year, the perca will be at the bottom of the lake, pond or river in which you are fishing. You will be more successful if you can place the bait there.
Step 4. Consider using a sonar
Normally, the perch travels in groups and hides in dense vegetation or in muddy waters. A good technique is to use a sonar to locate the shoals of golden goose, then choose a teaspoon bait that blends in with the vegetation or the mud of the waters where the goose has found its hiding place.
- When shoals of perch feed on insects and plankton, larvae with weights should be used to lower them to the bottom.
- They should be applied to the float line when the perch moves in a group among the aquatic plants. In this way, you will be able to keep the bait steady and prevent the perca from stealing it from the hook.
Step 5. Try various techniques
You have to figure out what is the best way to reach the perca where you are. If something is wrong, try a different technique. Just as you adapt the bait to the place where the perca searches for its food in such a way as to attract it, you should also adapt your technique to the context.
- Make sure that the bait touches the bottom before pulling it back up.
- If the bait does not give signals after touching the bottom, cast the line in a circle around the boat.
- Run the boat's engine because the perca is attracted to noise and vibrations.
- Make the bait touch the bottom, then shake the fishing rod to make the bait vibrate.
Step 6. When the fish begin to bite, quickly dump them on the boat
The wait can last for hours, but when the first fish bites, others will surely follow as the perca moves in groups. Unload each fish on the boat and cast the line again to continue fishing.
