Early ice

[Guest]

I always seem to have good luck early for big perch. This year is no exception. They were literally jumping out of the ice the past 2 days. Funny thing is they are full of eggs..... yes eggs. When I say full, they were bloated. Whats the deal?? Any insight?? Perch only spawn once a year, right?

[Gatores]

Can you give some insight on jigs and bait and location that i could get into some of these perch. Never have caught a good size perch and would love to try it if you would be willing to enlighten me.

Thanks
Rick

[Guest]

Start with small jigs or even bare hooks. We were using small minnows, but progressed to larger minnows, keeps the smaller perch off. I refuse to use maggots, aka wax worms. If they don't want minnows, well I'm outta luck.

We caught them in 9-10 feet of water, next to a drop off. Shallow water is good under certain conditions. I have never caught many perch in MN, hint.. hint..