FORAGE MINNOW JIG If you are targeting perch that are relatively aggressive , I recommend you try your luck with this perfect imitation of a small fish . It has an eye catching color with realistic holographic patterns that make it even more attractive . For the best action on this bait , simply rip it up quickly a short distance , then drop back down gently without tension . Then , go back up by jigging a few times and start the same routine over .
SYCLOPS Mepps developed this great classic a long time ago . The vast majority of fish-eating species on the planet cannot resist it . Even the smallest version of this family wreaks havoc on the perch population . This marvelous 1 / 8 ounce , 4 cm lure , offers an alluring swimming action on a sinusoidal axis , like a fish in water .
BUCK-SHOT SPOON This brightly coloured , 1 / 16 ounce spoon has a sound chamber that awakens even the most dormant yellow perch . When imparting slight jerking motions , the pellets in the chamber create an easily detected rattle below the surface . When dropped down with no tension , it slides from one side to the other . If the fishing action is slow , I like to aggressively agitate this bait to create an underwater riot .
W10 WABLER This small reproduction of the famous Williams Wabler will find a place in your box as it also offers a very irregular and exciting action . This lightweight , 1 / 16 ounce lure measures 2.5 cm . It has a side to side flutter and wabble when it goes up and then when it falls back into the shallows , it resembles an inert prey that has lost all control . Perch looking for an easy meal will let themselves be easily seduced and trapped on its sharp treble . I especially favour the blue and red luminescent colors . The W20 Wabler , this slightly larger cousin of the W10 Wabler , can be fished in the same way as the W10 but is also a favourite when bent at a 90 degree angle making an L shape out of the spoon with the treble hanging off the bottom of the L and your line tie at the top . When jigged this altered shape imparts a very aggressive action and can be a very productive option for perch . My favourites are the classic silver and gold in the hammered Nuwrinkle finishes . Tip the odd shank of the treble with a maggot or other bait on slow days .
THE MUD BUG This jig from Northland Tackle has a unique appearance . This lightweight 1 / 64 ounce lure with a size 12 hook or 1 / 32 ounce with a No . 10 hook has a stocky oval shape allowing it to stand . Its appearance mimics the face of a large insect larvae emerging from the shallows . Oversized eyes add an extra inviting touch for small predators . The eyelet is positioned at 60 degrees to accentuate its action . Work it slowly with a lift and drop of 15 to 20 cm and twitch your rod tip frequently to impart an enticing action ..
FISHING LINE Some anglers seem to think it is better to use a heavier line in case a walleye or pike comes along . In this case , I would say it does not bother me to lose a few lures at the expense of these large predators rather than compromise the subtlety of my presentation . Keeping to lighter lines will catch you more perch . Given that the Canadian record perch is 2.97 lbs , 4 pound test line like Maxima Ultragreen is more than enough . A perch ’ s teeth will not cut your line .
33 Wild Guide . Winter 2017