Targeting Large Perch

[AndyMT]

Does anyone have any tips on targeting larger perch.  I'm catching some big ones in numerous lakes but they are 1 one nice fish in a dozen dinks.  Any ideas on tackle, location ect to shy a few little ones away?

[Houdy66]

I've always found that the bigger perch tend to be at the bottom of the school. Tungsten jigs drop quick and, a lot of the time, will get through the dinks down to the big bruisers. Jigging rapalas also work well for this. I've also caught big perch while using rattlin rapalas for pike, so sizing up the presentation seems to work as well.

[Idahogator]

Andy, you may try to keep you presentation 4' to 6' above the bottom. 

Use a large, noisy lure with a dropper rig and bait with a perch eye.  Check your areas regulations.

Good luck.     

[hoofer]

try using 1/4 oz rattling spoons or rattling flyer type spoon tipped with a minnow head or a 1 1/2 in minnow.i find this keeps most of the dinks away.the down side is less catching but you do get bigger perch

[PerchPounderMT]

Large bait

[whiptail]

Time and effort first, I have pro staff that will fish from dawn to dusk, but it pays in the end I just had all my Pro staff take the top five places in the Smith Lake Perch Assault. under water Cameras in shallow and clear water, good electronics and the right tackle. Study the lakes in open water, mark weed lines, drops, points, under water humps types of weeds, ect. For jumbos and consistent jumbos is like scouting and planning for a hunt.

[Grizfisher]

Those are some nice ones for sure.  I agree, use big bait!

[Pretentious Percher]

In clearer shallow waters (15-20'), I have success tipping my camera to face straight down.  Looking at fish from above allows me to distinguish the larger fish from to so-so fish. Just pull the bait away from the dinks and give the toads a chance.

Hope that helps. Good fishing!

[missoulafish]

Good tip Perch.