Saturday, December 10, 2011

Catching big perch with shore crabs...









Beautiful weather this week meant it was a great time to go down to the rocks and collect some bait. Had no problem putting together a few sidewinder crabs and littleneck clams. Then it was down to the beach to look for some early winter perch.

Spawn time has begun and now that the water had cooled I knew it was a great time to use the sidewinder as bait.

My first few casts brought a number of nice perch…

Followed by a bigger one
Bigger…
Bigger…
And Biggest…

What an incredible bite. Three over 13”, two over 14” and one monster over 15”. I know there is a bigger one out there I just haven’t figured out how to trick him out of his hole and onto my hook-It’s just a matter of time my friend!

This weekend and upcoming week are bringing some great tides. Our only big threat will be from the weather and a coming front. Provided that doesn’t have too much wind with it, fishing should recover quickly.

Here are a few tips for the upcoming weeks: I like to use sidewinder shore crabs and clams this time of year. Grubs dipped in hot sauce also work well all the way through winter. On the open beach, I fish them on the Carolina Rig and use a 3/4th ounce-sliding sinker. But many of the largest perch this time of year will be right down in the rocks. So move down to a lighter slider (about 1/4th oz) and cast your bait very close to where the rocks meet sand.

These big fish are spawners so if you have to eat one do so-otherwise; please put them back as quickly and gently as possible. That way next year they will be even bigger and might be that record fish you have always been waiting for!

If you are looking for more info about how to find, keep and hook sidewinders and other baits be sure to get a copy of my book either in print or now available at Amazon for your Ereader...



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