Turn the white perch curse into a blessing
In the span of 30 years, the white perch’s range has increased from coastal rivers to just about every freshwater reservoir and river drainage in the Carolinas. Biologists suspect some natural migrations did occur. But most likely, fish had help from anglers in moving across solid boundaries.
While considered a nuisance to some, other anglers favor the aggressive members of the true bass family for their table fare. Anglers in both states relish the white perch as one of–if not the best–catfish baits available.
“Wylie doesn’t seem to have the shad base like some other lakes do,” said angler James Moore of Westminster, S.C. “But the white perch population is booming there. I personally credit a good blue catfishery to Wylie’s good white perch base.”
According to the biologists, lower densities of white perch create an environment for larger perch as they tend to overcrowd and stunt when their numbers expand.
Most anglers who target white perch opt for downsized white bass and striped bass tactics to catch these fish. Jigging spoons, small crankbaits with jig trailers are good bets. And single marabou jigs or in-line spinnerbaits in white, silver and chartreuse are popular.
One of the most-effective tactics is to anchor on long points or humps and look for fish in depths of 20 to 25 feet year- round. A preferred rig is to use a homemade catfish or Sabiki rig with two hooks connected to the main line anchored with a ½-ounce bell sinker. Bait the small No. 4 or No. 6 hooks with bits of red worm or cut bait from previously caught white perch. Larger specimens are fond of small crappie minnows.
