Homer -- perchin' questions

[Perch search]

Hey Homer,
I saw a recent post by you about perch fishing by Sugar Island. I'm still learning and could use your help with any of these questions if you don't mind--
1-Do you normally drift or anchor? (Detroit River and/or Lake Erie)
2-Do you jig only with pole in hand? Use a deadstick? Ever use a bobber?
3-Do you use the metal wire spreaders, or just use 2 hooks on the same drop line?
4-Assuming livebait, what size minnows work best? Other baits?
5-Any other great spots besides the rock wall by Sugar Island? like Brest Bay? (if you don't want to answer this, I'll understand)

Thanks in advance for any advice. If anybody else wants to jump in with their opinions, feel free. I'm just looking for an alternative for when walleye are slow--but I also love eating perch!

[perchjerker]

Those spots are good, you can also try in front of the Huron river by the sail boat bouys, or by the Detroit River Light. Also by the cross dyke east of Sugar Is., but check your map, Canadian water starts in there.
I use a perch spreader (it keep the hooks from getting tangled in eachother) with enough weight to send it down fairly qiuckly and start with it just off the bottom. No bobber, I just keep a tight line. Most of the time if its not too windy I will drift until I find a school, then anchor. I try to keep as vertical as possible. If nothing happens for about 10 minutes, I usually move unless I know its a good spot.

Hope this helps you out.

[perch search]

Thanks Perchjerker,
I have a Canadian license, too, so that's okay. It looks like in their regulations, they have no limit on perch--is that true? But I suppose if you dock on the US side you still have to comply with Michigan regs? Not that 50 isn't enough, just double checking.
Do you normally use minnows? What size?

[perchjerker]

Not sure about Can. regs, but yea, you better stick to whatever limit is smaller in case you get checked. It can get confusing.
As far as minnows, I try to get shiners maybe 1 1/2 in long. Try to avoid fathead minnows if you can.

[Perch search]

Perchjerker,
Sorry--I keep thinking of more detailed questions!
I know when hooking minnows for walleye, I've heard some advice that says it doesn't matter whether the minnow is alive or dead, because you create the movement with jigging (especially with a stinger attached).
When it comes to perch, do you want to hook it differently, in order to try to keep it alive, so it will still wiggle on it's own?

[perchjerker]

Depends on how picky they are. Usually I try to hook it either through the lips or lightly through the dorsal fin. I like livley ones, cant hurt to use your best minnows first. Sometimes they are real agressive and dont really care. Thats when it gets fun!!!

Also try tru turn fine wire hooks if you havent already. They work really good for this type of fishing.

[Perch search]

Thanks Perchjerker,
Really appreciate all your advice--haven't tried those hooks yet, but I'll get some for sure.

Tight lines

[perchjerker]

No problem. Here is a local board similar to this one. Its a great source for local info.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/index.html

[wacnstac]

That's the best site around!

[wacnstac]

You can also get there directly via: http://www.michiganwalleye.com