Perch fishing pointers (Mercer Lake)?

built2fish · 01-27-2009, 07:52 AM

I am going to Mercer Lake this weekend, with 6 other guys, to fish for Perch. It is a bunch of BASS guys and as such, none of us know much about Perch fishing.

We have all done research on the subject to date, but some expert advice for catching Perch would be a welcome addition to the arsenal we're building. Especially that which relates to Mercer specifically, but any suggestions on tried and true tactics, presentations, techniques, and whereabouts for Perch this time of year would be very much appreciated!

Crappie Chaser · 01-27-2009, 01:15 PM

I don't know anything about Mercer but this is a good search rig. Look for a cove with a flat or slightly sloping bottom. Mud bottom with scattered rock or gravel bars are good places to try. Use a double dropper rig. Tie a 1/2 oz bell sinker on the bottom. Tie short droppers 6" & 18" up from the sinker. Use #6 baitholders or aberdeens. Bait with small pieces of nightcrawler. Cast this rig as far as you can and fish it in slow on the bottom with your rod held high. At the first sign of a snag jerk it up and out and at the slightest nibble set the hook. Just like bass fishin. Once you catch one try a piece of perch on the top hook and see what they like best. A little crawdad scent helps.

built2fish · 01-27-2009, 02:13 PM

Great advice! Thanks!

Ben Hur · 01-29-2009, 05:59 PM

Fish close to Mercer Lake Resort and if that doesn't work try the Dalhin Arm starting at the westward point and work out to the middle of the lake. Best bet to catch all the perch you want is however at Woahink Lake. That lake has produced a bunch of bigger perch for the past 12 years now and could use more pressure to keep the size of the fish up.

DJD · 01-30-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Hur

Fish close to Mercer Lake Resort and if that doesn't work try the Dalhin Arm starting at the westward point and work out to the middle of the lake. Best bet to catch all the perch you want is however at Woahink Lake. That lake has produced a bunch of bigger perch for the past 12 years now and could use more pressure to keep the size of the fish up.

Could you give any pointers about Woahink lake as I have never tried there.Thanks for any info you are willing to share. -Dan

Poindexter · 01-30-2009, 10:47 PM

My kids and I catch perch all the time on very small (1/32 oz) jigs with curly tails (Mister Twister types) and small piece of worm. Once you find a school, stay on them and move around and re-locate if the action slows. Best eating fish in freshwater, IMHO.

Ben Hur · 01-31-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJD

Could you give any pointers about Woahink lake as I have never tried there.Thanks for any info you are willing to share. -Dan

Start south of the sandbar across from the boat ramp and work your way south across the wide part of the lake. Run south to each of the big arms and fish the deep water and work your way in. Bright days are not near as good as fishing in the shadow in deep water and work inland until you find schools.

built2fish · 02-02-2009, 08:33 AM

Well, went to Mercer on the first day, and between 6 pretty damn good fisherman, we caught absolutely nothing. Which bewildered me, considering the small size of Mercer. Great accommodations, beautiful scenery, good company and fantastic weather made up for it though.

Next day (yesterday) we hit up Woahink and it was way better fishing. The weather was great and the wind barely even blew (lucky).

Thanks for the tips!!!

bassin · 02-02-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by built2fish

Well, went to Mercer on the first day, and between 6 pretty damn good fisherman, we caught absolutely nothing. Which bewildered me, considering the small size of Mercer. Great accommodations, beautiful scenery, good company and fantastic weather made up for it though.

Next day (yesterday) we hit up Woahink and it was way better fishing. The weather was great and the wind barely even blew (lucky).

Thanks for the tips!!!

Tell us more, What sizes of fish did you find, depth, etc. Ring tails(perch) or great eating.

built2fish · 02-02-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassin

Tell us more, What sizes of fish did you find, depth, etc. Ring tails(perch) or great eating.

Wouldn't you like to know. LOL.

PM sent.

bassin · 02-02-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by built2fish

Wouldn't you like to know. LOL.

PM sent.

Tightlines and thanks

Damon · 02-02-2009, 03:08 PM

I have caught some of the largest perch at Woahink than any other coastal lake I've fished. Especially in the winter and early spring. Personally, I fish them this time of year DEEP. Like 50+ ft. If you get a chance, a favorite of mine is Munsel in about 60 ft of water. They don't get fished very hard and are easier to locate.