Pb perch

[Digs]

Had a few hours this morning and got the biggest perch I've ever caught through the ice. She was in 45 fow also caught a couple lakers and another perch that was smaller measured in at 11.5 inches. I didn't measure the big one the skimmer was to far and I wanted her back down the hole but if I had to guess it was in the 12.5 -13 inch range. Also jigged a bunch of smelt up too

[BrookieSlayer99]

Nice fish! I always seem to get those jumbo perch earlier in the season rather than later.

[800stealth]

Nice jumbo...

[fishermantim]

jumbo perch in late winter are usually females loaded with eggs, which means less meat overall.
The early ones are a blast when you can get a school of them!

[Digs]

jumbo perch in late winter are usually females loaded with eggs, which means less meat overall.
The early ones are a blast when you can get a school of them!

That one was full of eggs......i snapped that and got it back in the hole quick

[BrookieSlayer99]

I commend you on your release but perch taken out of deep water typically don't survive. Their swim bladder is different than a trout/salmon's.

[Digs]

I commend you on your release but perch taken out of deep water typically don't survive. Their swim bladder is different than a trout/salmon's.

Yes.....isn't that when they come up too quickly though? Normally you'd see it in the back of their throat too if they come up too fast...right? She swam off pretty well and I didn't see any signs of the "bends". When I fish deep i take my time bringing them up try to hold them at a couple different depths as I reel in.

[BrookieSlayer99]

Yes.....isn't that when they come up too quickly though? Normally you'd see it in the back of their throat too if they come up too fast...right? She swam off pretty well and I didn't see any signs of the "bends". When I fish deep i take my time bringing them up try to hold them at a couple different depths as I reel in.

Idk I was simply advised by a very trusted contact to keep any out of 25+ fow. If you perch/crappie fish in the fall you would know what I mean when i say they take off but don't keep going lol. They might go 10 feet under the ice then just stop and float back until they hit the ice. Same goes for white perch too.

[Digs]

Idk I was simply advised by a very trusted contact to keep any out of 25+ fow. If you perch/crappie fish in the fall you would know what I mean when i say they take off but don't keep going lol. They might go 10 feet under the ice then just stop and float back until they hit the ice. Same goes for white perch too.

Interesting I'll keep that in mind..... I did a little research on it after you brought it up. I didn't see any signs of pressure trauma hopefully I brought her up slow enough