So, you’re ready to cast your line and experience the peace and excitement of fishing? Welcome to the club! It’s a fantastic hobby that connects you with nature, offers a thrill, and can even put dinner on the table. But if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the gear and jargon, don’t worry – every seasoned angler started right where you are.

This guide will give you the essential tips to get started, from easy bait ideas to finding your first fishing spot. Let’s dive in!

Bait Basics: Keep it Simple and Effective

Forget fancy lures for now. As a beginner, you want bait that’s easy to use, readily available, and fish find irresistible.

• Worms (Nightcrawlers, Red Wigglers): The undisputed champions of beginner bait! Virtually every freshwater fish loves worms. They’re easy to hook, stay on well, and you can buy them at most bait shops, sporting goods stores, and even some convenience stores.
• Corn: Believe it or not, canned whole kernel corn is a secret weapon for catching panfish (like sunfish and bluegill) and even some carp. It’s cheap, easy to use, and many fish are surprisingly drawn to it. Just thread a few kernels onto your hook.
• Hot Dogs: Yes, seriously! Cut into small, dime-sized pieces, hot dogs can be surprisingly effective for catfish and other bottom feeders.
• Bread: A simple piece of white bread, balled up and pressed onto your hook, can attract panfish and carp.

Pro Tip: No matter what bait you choose, use just enough to cover the hook. A smaller, well-presented bait is often more appealing than a giant blob.

Tackle Talk: What You Actually Need

You don’t need a boatload of expensive gear to start. Here’s a minimalist approach to your first tackle box:

• Rod and Reel Combo: Many sporting goods stores offer beginner combos that include a spinning rod and reel, pre-spooled with line. This is your best bet for ease of use and affordability. Look for a light to medium action rod, around 6-7 feet long.
• Hooks: Start with a variety pack of basic J-hooks in sizes #6, #8, and #10. These are good all-around sizes for panfish and smaller bass.
• Bobbers (Floats): These handy little indicators tell you when a fish is biting. Get some clip-on or slip bobbers.
• Sinkers (Weights): Split-shot sinkers are perfect for beginners. They’re small, easy to pinch onto your line, and help your bait sink to the desired depth.
• Pliers/Forceps: Essential for removing hooks from fish (and sometimes from yourself!).
• Line Clippers/Small Scissors: For neatly trimming your fishing line.
• Small Tackle Box: To keep all your essentials organized.

What to skip for now: Expensive lures, specialized lines, fancy electronics. You can add these as you gain experience and discover what kind of fishing you enjoy most.

Best Places to Start Your Fishing Adventure

As a beginner, you want calm, accessible water with a good chance of catching fish.

• Local Ponds and Lakes: These are often stocked with various species and offer easy bank access. Look for public parks with fishing piers or designated fishing areas.
• Community Fishing Programs: Many state wildlife agencies and local parks departments offer “community fishing” or “urban fishing” programs. These often involve stocked ponds and can even provide loaner gear and instruction.
• Slow-Moving Rivers or Creeks: Look for stretches with easy bank access and slower currents. Avoid fast-moving water as it can be challenging for beginners.
• Fishing Piers: If you’re near the coast or a large lake, public fishing piers are fantastic. They offer good access, and you’ll often find other anglers who can offer tips.

Before you go:

• Check Local Regulations: Always, always, always check your local fishing regulations. You’ll likely need a fishing license, and there will be rules about what you can catch, how many, and minimum sizes. A quick search online for your state’s fish and wildlife agency will provide this information.
• Safety First: Tell someone where you’re going. Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re fishing near water, consider wearing a life vest, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in, and dispose of fishing line properly. Let’s keep our waterways clean for everyone.

Fishing is about patience, observation, and enjoying the process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch a fish on your first outing. Every cast is a learning experience. With these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a confident and happy angler.

Now, grab your rod, find a peaceful spot, and enjoy the adventure! Happy fishing!

Today, I wasn’t just after trout – I was on a mission to test out the newest addition to my fly box: the Realistic Western Green Drake parachute dry fly from ReelFlies.ca.
This wasn’t your average Green Drake. Crafted by the experts at ReelFlies, this fly was a masterpiece of mimicry. Every detail, from the delicate segmentation of the body to the wispy brown hackle that mimicked the drake’s resting wings, had been meticulously recreated. It looked so real, I could almost hear it buzzing with life.

With a flick of my wrist, I sent the Green Drake skittering across the current. It landed flawlessly, settling gently on the water’s surface like a real insect taking a break. Anticipation crackled in the air.

Within moments, the water erupted. A flash of silver torpedoed towards the fly, its adipose fin cutting a path through the current. The trout, a magnificent brown, swirled around the Green Drake, inspecting it with suspicion. But the fly’s lifelike appearance was too much to resist. In a flash, the brown opened its mouth and engulfed the fly in a swirl of water.
The fight was exhilarating. The brown trout surged and darted, testing the limits of my rod and line. But finally, with a triumphant heave, I brought the beautiful fish to hand. Its glistening scales and vibrant colors were a testament to the health of the river.
This was just the beginning.

Throughout the day, the ReelFlies Green Drake continued to work its magic. I landed two more beautiful trout, each fight as thrilling as the last. The fly’s lifelike appearance seemed to be irresistible to these wary fish.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the water, I reluctantly reeled in my line. The day had been a resounding success, and the ReelFlies Green Drake had proven itself to be a true game-changer.
If you’re a fly fisherman looking to up your catch rate, I highly recommend checking out the ReelFlies website. Their selection of hand-tied flies, including their Ultra-Realistic Trout Fly collection, is truly impressive. With impeccable quality and lifelike designs, these flies are sure to become your secret weapon on the water. So next time you’re heading out for a day of fly fishing, be sure to stop by ReelFlies.ca and stock up on some of their incredible flies. You won’t be disappointed!

I’ve been fishing for years, and I’ve tried countless lures. But I’ve never experienced anything quite like the Mepps Black Fury Minnow. On my very first cast with this incredible lure, I landed a 4-pound largemouth bass. It was a moment I’ll never forget!

The Black Fury Minnow is a top-quality lure that’s built to last. It casts like a dream and is incredibly rugged, making it perfect for even the toughest fishing conditions. The combination of a Black Fury blade, a painted bump body, and a shad mino with matching accents creates a truly irresistible lure for bass.

One of the things I love most about the Black Fury Minnow is its versatility. Available in blade sizes #0-#5, it’s suitable for all species of fish, whether you’re casting or trolling. The lure runs at mid-depth and has an erratic swimming action that mimics an injured baitfish, driving predatory fish into a frenzy.

The Black Fury Minnow truly shines in low light conditions. Whether you’re fishing in the early morning, evening, or on overcast days, this lure is a must-have. It’s also a great choice for sunny days when you need to create contrast with the bright water, weeds, and structure.

If you’re looking for a lure that can help you catch more fish and have more fun on the water, I highly recommend the Mepps Black Fury Minnow. It’s a game-changer that has quickly become my go-to lure.

Using a streamer as bait, Ivanovic displayed exceptional skill and patience in bringing this magnificent fish to the net.
Ivanovic, a passionate fly fisherman, has spent countless hours exploring the pristine waters of Mongolia. His deep appreciation for the natural world and his intimate knowledge of these rivers have allowed him to consistently target and land some of the most sought-after species in the region. The Lenok he recently caught is just one example of his remarkable angling prowess.

Beyond his personal fishing adventures, Ivanovic is also the owner of his own tour and travel agency. His company specializes in organizing fishing trips to Mongolia, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the thrill of angling in these breathtaking landscapes. With Ivanovic’s expertise and guidance, anglers of all levels can enjoy unforgettable fishing experiences and discover the beauty of Mongolian nature.
One of Ivanovic’s favorite fishing destinations is the Shisged River, a renowned trout fishery that is home to a healthy population of taimen, another iconic species of the region. Taimen are known for their aggressive behavior and their impressive size, making them a highly prized target for anglers. Ivanovic has a long history of success in the Shisged River, having landed numerous taimen over the years.

In addition to his fishing accomplishments, Ivanovic is also a dedicated conservationist. He is deeply committed to protecting the fragile ecosystems of Mongolia and ensuring that future generations can enjoy these pristine waters. He actively supports efforts to conserve fish populations, protect habitats, and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Ivanovic’s recent catch of the Lenok is a testament to his skill, experience, and unwavering passion for fishing. His story serves as an inspiration to anglers around the world, reminding us of the incredible beauty and diversity of our planet’s aquatic ecosystems. As a dedicated fisherman, tour operator, and conservationist, Ivanovic is making a significant contribution to the preservation of Mongolia’s natural heritage.

Last year was a very lucrative year for many anglers as all the elements seems to fall into place.  The temperature was just right, the rain held off just long enough and the fish seems to be very hungry.  I landed three nice size rainbows and one brown trout on the second week of June last year.  There are a variety of good resources that can be found on this site that will help you catch your limit on opening day 2012.  Below are some links to some articles that I previously wrote.

• What Fishing Line Strength Should I Use
• Brook Trout Fishing
• How to Catch Trout
• How to Catch Trout in a River
• Fishing Tackle for Beginners

As for the best locations to try here is a list that currently resides on the DEM website for Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.  Please be sure to check your local DEM website before you head out as this list may change.  I placed and (*) next to the ponds and lakes that I personally would recommend.

Rhode Island

Best of luck to you all this 2012 fishing season.

Blue Catfish Facts

Catfish are easily recognized by their barbels or “whiskers”, which provide a very important function of feeling for prey and allowing theme to stay anchored in heavy currently.  What might also not be so obvious about catfish is that they have an incredibly good sense of smell.  They have about eight times the smelling power of a typical freshwater bass.  Many angers will use excessively smelly baits when fishing for catfish.  Blue Catfish are no exception, as they are an opportunistic predator that will eat anything dead or alive.   Their typical prey consists of  Crayfish, Mussels, Frogs, Minnows, Shiners and any other plentiful food source at the time.  Bluegill also work very well as bait while fishing for any species of catfish.

The largest recorded catfish ever caught weighed 130 lbs.  Which is a very rare size fish to be taken from freshwater.  Many anglers will use saltwater fishing tackle while fishing for Blue Catfish.

Blue Catfish Fishing Techniques

A variety of techniques can be used while fishing for catfish.  A major point while fishing for any species of catfish is that they are generally located near or at the bottom of the river or pond.  A very common rig while catfish fishing is the three way rig.  This rig consists of  a three way swivel with a weight attached to one eye of the swivel and a size 5 fishing hook attached with fishing line to the other eye of the swivel. 

Live or dead bait can be used.  They can be caught either anchored or drifting from a small boat.  One technique that works well for me is to cast and perform a very slow retrieve on the river floor.  Pay attention to rips or dips in the river bed as the large catfish often find holes where they can find refuge from the fast moving water. 

Fishing Locations

Target locations that have very large slow moving rivers.  Rivers provide the catfish with a steady flow of food which allows them to grow to such massive sizes.  The following rivers and states are ideal places to find Blue Catfish.

• Mississippi River
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Arkansas

Also find areas with large dams and bridges that form areas where large catfish can hide.

Always fish a river from the bottom up or walk upstream.  Trout will be facing upstream to try and snatch a meal that is floating or swimming downstream.  By walking upstream you can surprise them from behind.  Cast far ahead of you upstream and try to imitate a fly or minnow being swept downstream by the current.  The closer you can match the trouts natural prey the more luck you will have landing a Trout.   While casting upstream pay attention to overhanging tree branches and limbs to avoid loosing your lure or bait.  Around a popular fishing hole you generally see litters of fishing hooks, bobbers, etc handing from trees that have been lost by eager fisherman.  Using lighter tackleis helpful as you will be able to cast further and the fishing line with be harder to spot by the Trout. 

Pay close attention to the movement of the water.  Trout will congregate in areas called “Riffles” which are areas of fast moving shallow water.  These areas allow trout to easily pick of prey swimming downstream.  Their lightning fast reflexes allow them to quickly snatch a fly that has landed in the water or a shiner that is being swept downstream.  The riffle limits the preys ability to avoid the mouth of the trout by not being able to swim up or down the water column. 

Like many other sport fish Trout will also rest in “Eddys” formed by large rocks in the water.  These small refuges allow the trout to rest for a few moments while traveling upstream.  It can be exhausting for a Trout constantly swimming upstream against a current and they often times rely on these areas to rest and/or wait for prey coming downstream. 

A variety of lures can be used to catch Troutin rivers.  Spinner baits are a very effective choice as well as small crank-baits.  The challenging part of fishing upstream is to keep the fishing lure moving just fast enough to get the spinner to function properly, but not retrieving it too fast where it will be difficult for the Trout to spot.  Every river is different and it is a matter of trial and error until you start generating results. 

Dry or wet flies are effective as well while fly fishing for Trout in a river.  They can be fished parallel or adjacent to a river as long as you keep adequate distance away from your Trout of prey.  Again trout are easily spooked so the more distance you can keep from them the better.

Worms, Grubs, Shinners or any other natural fishing baits are also a good choice while fishing for Trout in a river.  I would recommend not using a bobber or sinker and just letting the bait float as natural as possible in the moving water.

Crappie Fishing Facts

Crappie are members of the sunfish family but can grow slightly larger than the average Bluegill. In general they do not grow much larger than 16 inches long and no larger than 5lbs.  As Juveniles they feed on insects or other smaller invertebrates, but as they grow they begin to feed on Juvenile bass, sunfish, trout or anything they can fit into their smaller sized mouths. They have a life span of around 8 years and spawn from April to June.

They are a light yellow to a lime green color with bands or random back spots throughout their body. They also have a rather large tail which is good for short bursts of speed when needed. Use smaller hooks while pursuing Crappie as they do not have that large of a mouth.

Some consider Crappie to be one of the best tasting freshwater fishes. Unfortunately their untastefull name must persuide anglers from deciding to bring them to the dinner table.

They are known to head towards deeper water during the warmer months and can be found from depth of 6 to 15 feet of water. Many anglers hug the shore line while fishing for Crappie.

How to Catch Crappie

Below are a variety of Crappie fishing tips that can be used at various times of the season and in a variety of weather conditions.

Many anglers feel as if Crappie are most active during the night hours and will not head out until dusk to fish for them. I myself have caught them at various times and on various weather conditions. They do seem to be more active on overcast days however.

One popular technique used to catch Crappie is a technique called Spider Rigging while trolling. This involves setting up numerous fishing rods around a boat and then trolling at a slow pace. Tackle call planers are used to keep the lines from crossing. Spinners or small lead headed jigs can be used as bait while spider rigging.

I have had much success using dry or wet flies in shallower waters catching smaller Crappie. Purple’s and Yellows seem to be effective colors to use, but it really varies on the day.

While trolling I often get the most strikes when I am between speeds 3 and 5 of my minn kota trolling motor. The top speed seems to be to fast and anything slower than speed 3 I start getting snagged on the bottom. Speed 4 on the minn kota Motor is generally my sweet spot when fishing for Crappie.

Some anglers will use artificial lights at night to lure in Crappie or use a glow in the dark type of fishing line to attract Crappie to their bait or lure. I have never tried either of these techniques but they might be worth giving it a try.

I would recommend not to use anything larger than 10lb test as Crappie have fairy good vision and could probably spot and be spooked by a larger weighted line. I also would experiment with a variety of color jigs to see what they are most actively striking for a particular day.

Having a good depth finder is also a good tip while crappie fishing as they are know to hide out in underwater brush that may only be detected by a good fish finder.

Using chum where permited from ground up Bluegill or other similar species of fish will do wonders to attract a large school of Crappie near your boat or current fishing location.

What is the Best Bait for Crappie Fishing

In general I use smaller tackle while on the pursuit of a large crappie. Small spinners or crank-bait can be used. Probably the most used while fishing for crappie is the “Crappie Jig” which is a jig with a small weighted head followed by either a piece of rubber or strait hair. Small plastic worms are also effective. Real worms or grubs can also be an effective bait to use.  There are a variety of Crappie fishing tips I can offer you, but having the right bait is always a necessity.

Where to Catch Crappie

Crappie can be found anywhere in the United States and behind Bluegill are one of the most common freshwater fish species.

On any lake they can found in 5 to 20 feet of water generally dictated by the current water temperature. In warmer months they can be found in the deeper areas of the lake or pond. Like Bass, Bluegill and Pike they can be found in the weedier areas of the lake. Look for Lilly-pads, overhanging brush or trees, milfoil or anything else that can provide some shelter.

Muskie Fishing Facts

Muskie are a beautiful fish that are very light in color compared to the Northern Pike. Northerns are rather dark with lighter spots where Muskies are mostly Lighter with sometimes darker spots. The body shapes however are very similar and they come from the same family of fishes. Like the Pike they are many sharp teeth so be very careful while handling them. They are considered to be the largest member of the Pike Family. They feed similar to their darker cousins in regards to the way that they ambush their prey. They will wait in fairly shallow water covered by weeds or other cover waiting for their next meal to swim by. They will them shoot out like a dark swallowing their meals head first. Muskie are also known to follow prey similar to a Saltwater Barracuda inspecting and analyzing it before they take a bite from it.

They can grow as large as 60 lbs and 5 feet long. Muskie take a very long time to grow however and can easily fall victim to over fishing practices. The possession of Muskie is strictly regulated to help preserve the fishes population. Their fertilized eggs also do not cling like that of the Northern Pike so they are more easily consumed by predators. They generally spawn in waters that are between 48-59 degrees. It is highly encouraged to perform “Catch and Release” when catching a Muskie to help preserve their presence.

A Muskies long snakelike body offers an excellent fight once on the line. Pound for Pound they offer one of the best fishing experiences an angler can expect while freshwater fishing. Their long bodies also allows them to locate nearby prey using their lateral line system.  Keep this is mind while choosing your bait, you want  a bait that will make a lot of movement in the water.

How to catch Muskie

Their are a few methods used to catch Muskies. Casting is one such method. You can cast spinner bait, plugs and what are referred to as “Musky Bucks” which are larger spinners. Cast in locations where there is Milfoil, Lilly pads or other areas where Musky can hide out and wait in order to ambush their prey. They do not always sit motionless either as some have been seen cruising the bottom, seeking out an easy meal. Mostly the larger muskies behave like this because as they have less to worry about in regards to other larger predators in the nearby waters.

Trolling for Muskie is also another popular method using the same types of lures mentioned above. You can find lures that are supposedly made just for Muskie fishing, but they are essentially the same types of lures for Bass or Pike just on the larger side.

Live lining smaller fish is also a popular method. Shiners, Suckers, Pan-fish even smaller Pike can be used to catch Muskie. Like the Pike they are known to be cannibalistic so be careful if you catch a smaller Muskie as a Larger one may decide to bite it in half. Reports of this have happens and often surprise unsuspecting anglers.

It is highly recommended that you use either a wire leader or a fluorocarbon leader due to the fact that Muskies will bite through 20lb+ fishing line with their sharp teeth.

Various Anglers have adopted numerous techniques while fishing for Muskie, varying their retrieval and allowing their plugs to slowly float to the top and then diving them down again with fast cranking. Creating figure eights in the water while realing the line in as well have been developed by some veteran Muskie fisherman. Many anglers debate over what techniques are the best, but feel free to experiment when you are on the water until you start landing fish.

My best piece of advice however if you decide to fish for Muskie is to have patience. Many anglers with fish for 8 hour spans and come back with a single fish or just a “Fish Story”, which one can speculate its credibility.

I would recommend at least a 7 foot rod with 20lb test if you are on the pursuit of a larger Muskie.

What is the best bait for Muskie Fishing

A variety of baits can be used to fish for Muskie, such baits include Crayfish, Frogs, Suckers, Shiners, Pinheads, Alewives or any other smaller fish. I generally rig the bait with a fairly large hook behind the rear dorsal fin such that the fish can still swim freely in the water.

I often spend my morning Bluegill fishing or Crappie fishing in otder to obtain some good bait for Muskie fishing later in the day.  To help save you some money in the baitshop are some Crappie Fishing Tips to help land you some lively bait for your next Muskie adventure.

A three way rig or more traditional setup can be used. Depending upon where I currently feel the larger Muskies are located I will place a weight on the line to send my bait to the bottom or let it swim in open water without the weight.

Where to Catch Muskie

They are know to inhabit many of the waters of the upper Midwest and great lakes regions. States where Muskie can be found are Washington, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Great Lakes Region, Canada and as far south as Tennessee.

More specifically they can commonly be found in any lake in depths anywhere from 5 feet to 15 feet of water. Look for areas with mil-foil, Lilly pads, sunken tree trunks or any other area that can act as a hiding place for a large fish.

When is the Best Time to Catch Muskie

Muskie fishing is generally strongest in August and September as that is when the water temperature reaches its peak. Early morning or late evening offer the best fishing times. They can be caught all through the winter while ice fishing as well as the spring and early summer. Their most active feeding times appear to be in August and September however.

Perch Fishing Facts

Perch are generally small not growing any larger than 5lbs. On average Perch that are caught are no larger than 1lb. They have large lidless eyes that can spot a spinner or other flashy object well in clear water. Choosing bait that will vibrate or wiggle in the water would be a good choice while fishing for Perch as they are equipped with a lateral line system. This system helps the Perch to hone in on a struggling fish in the water.  Numerous other species also have this system including the Perch’s larger cousin the Walleye.  

Perch have sharp dorsal spines which help to protect them from other predators like, Largemouth Bass, Pike and Walleye. 

One great thing about perch fishing is that they are a school fish, so if you catch one perch odds are many more will be near by. They do move very often so be sure to keep them interested if you are starting to catch them. In some states it is legal to chum for Perch and this generally produces good results as it will bring schools closer to your boat or where you are located on shore. 

They have small mouths so be sure to use very small tackle. I try to use the smallest hooks I have available while fishing for Perch.  Ensure that you bait the hook properly as they will rob your bait if they can easily nibble off the end of your worm. 

There are numerous Aquaculture farms for Perch throughout the United States where they are harvested and sold as they are considered one of the best tasting freshwater fishes.

Like the Bluegill and Catfish, Perch are know to be able to live in poor water quality conditions.  In low oxygen and high nitrate conditions they survive much better than other species.

How to Catch Perch?

The bait that I use most frequently when fishing for perch are worms, either trout worms or night-crawlers. I will use a float or bobber with about 2 to 3 feet of line extended from it. If they are on the bottom I will just replace the float with a weight. Depending on the bottom structure I will either have a three way rig or just have my hook at the bottom of the line. A three way rig consists of having the weight at the bottom of the line and then a dropper loop placed a few feet from the bottom of the line. An eagle claw hook can then be added to the dropper loop. 

I have also had luck catching Perch with small shiners. If I know that I will be fishing for perch I will buy 6 to 12 of the smallest shiners the bait shop has to offer. 

Trying to locate Perch can sometimes lend itself to be challenging and a good depth finder is helpful to find drop off or underwater vegetation where a school of Perch may be hiding.

Perch are found in schools so one tip is to attach three of four hooks to your line below your bobber or weight.  This can result in catching multiple Perch at the same time.  A similar rig can be used for other school fish like Bluegill. 

Where to Catch Perch?

Some additional perch fishing tips relate to where to find them.  Perch have a very widespread demographic. They can be caught from most lakes, ponds and rivers throughout the united states and other species of perch can be caught in other countries. The most common species of Perch caught in America is the Yellow Perch. 

In regards to where in the lake they can be caught, Perch are often found in the same areas where you will find bass or sunfish. The larger perch will be found in deeper waters and in waters that are more open, whereas the smaller perch will be found in shallower waters and in weedy areas where they can easily hide from predators.  I often will use a three way rig with about 3 feet of line from the bottom when I am fishing for Perch.  A good fish finder is useful when trying to determine the depth that they are located.

In the summer a majority of Perch can be found in deeper waters. In the spring and fall they can be found in somewhat shallower locations.

Perch are common all throughout the Northeast, Mid West, West Coast as well as many southern states.  Their eggs are thought to have a sticky coating which aids in the Perch’s fertilized eggs to travel long distances on floating debris or water birds.

Based on some tagging studies Perch generally do not migrate any farther than 30 miles, which means that they cover much more distance over the course of a year than the average Largemouth Bass.

Tackle Recommendations for Perch Fishing

Some additional Perch fishing tips include what tackle to bring to the lake or pond.  I have found that not much tackle is required to have a successful day Perch fishing.  I never fish for Perch using any more than a 10 lb weighted line as they rarely grow over five lbs.  In regards to the fishing rod, I have a light action Zebco rod that I use, which has more than enough strength to handle a decent size Perch.  In my tackle box I bring some spinner bait, Rooster tail, small plugs, flies and medium sized bait hooks.  Three way swivels are also handy when fishing with live bait.  A few teardrop sinkers as well as some bobbers are helpful once I determine where the Perch are and what they are feeding on. 

Perch feed on organisms that are fairly low on the food chain, such organisms are small insects, zooplanktin (which are microscopic organisms), small fish, frogs and other small amphibians.  They are not a cannibalistic species like the Pike or Walleye.

Proper Perch Handling

Perch like numerous other freshwater fishes have a protective slime around their bodies.  Be sure to wet your hands before holding a perch as this helps to preserve the protective coating around the fish.  This slime helps to defend the fish from bacteria and infection from getting under their scales.  When the Perch fishing starts getting fast I switch to barb less hooks to ensure that the fish goes through less trauma while out of the water.  A Perch can be revived in much the same manner as many other fish.  Simple place the Perch in the water and rock it forwards and backwards to allow oxygen to flow over their gills.  This will help to revive them quicker and have a better chance of survival.  Also be careful of their sharp dorsal spines as they can easily stab an unsuspecting angler. 

When is the Best Time to Catch Perch?

Perch can be caught in just about any season. Some anglers believe that Perch fishing is best in the later half of the summer, but Ice fisherman also catch perch fairly regularly as well.   Some fairly large Perch have been caught while ice fishing in the Mid West and North East regions of America.  If you do plan on ice fishing for perch, first check with your local DEM office to ensure that the ice is safe to walk on and second make sure that you make your fish hole big enough.  You would hate to loose a big Perch because you did not make your landing hole big enough.  I do not believe that their is any real bad time to fish for perch
Late evenings or early mornings generally produce good results while Perch fishing in the Summer and Spring seasons.  Perch have fairly good vision so the first light of the predawn hours generate good results when using spinner bait or spoons.

Perch spawn in the spring when the water temperatures are around 43 to 49 degrees Fahrenheit.  Their eggs have a sticky coating with allows them be carried long distances.  At these times the larger Perch can be caught closer to the shorelines

Using Perch as Bait

Many larger predator fish feed on Perch fry, such species include Large-mouth Bass, Pike, Walleye and Catfish.  They can be rigged in the same manner as any other bait fish, but I recommend placing an average size fish hook  that exposes the point of the hook through the upper tail region of the Perch.  This ensures that the Perch can swim freely and prolongs its life while on the line.  Walleye are know to prey on Perch regularly during certain times of the year so they make an ideal bait if you catch a small to average size Perch.  Also catfish will feed on pieces of Perch that have sunk to the bottom.  Finding a shady area underneath a bridge or overhanging area with a hook baited with Perch can generate a decent size Catfish. 

A Personal Perch Fishing Story

In the summer of 2010 a few friends and I fished a local lake in Rhode Island for Bass, Pike or whatever was biting that day.  It was a very warm sunny day, so we knew we had a few factors working again us already, as cloudy or overcast days are preferable.  We took our small Jon boat to some local popular spots on Echo Lake with no luck.  A few hours went by when I saw a very small patch of Lilly pads in the middle of the lake.  So I was able to talk my fellow anglers into trying a new fishing spot.  They agreed and we set anchor and first tried the surface with shiners with no luck.  I then tried the bottom by attaching a small split-shot to my line.  Within seconds I had my first hit of the day.  I reeled it in hoping for a large bass, but It was a fairly nice sized Perch around 2lbs in weight.  Immediately we all switched to the same rig and began landing Perch fairly consistently for the next few hours.  We were all amazed at how fast we were landing them and were surprised that the fishing action lasted so long.  We all had Perch for dinner that night and began to make that a new favorite fishing location.  Sometimes finding the fish makes all the deference.  On a follow up trip I brought my depth finder and realized their was a large hump with much vegetation on that spot. 

Perch Cooking Recommendations

Perch are generally not that big, however they are a very tasty fish.  The do not have a “fishy” taste at all.  Often times a simple recipe is to simply to gut and scale the perch after removing its head or tail.  Wash it thoroughly in warm water, sprinkle lemon on both sides and place a healthy portion of Butter or Margarine in its gut cavity.  Wrap it with tin foil and bake it for 15 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  The tin foil is optional, but helps to keep the butter close to the fish meat which makes it softer and juicier.