The GoPro Files #3

There is a lot of anglers on National Pro Staff that are very talented at catching BIG Jumbo sized Perch. However, I still get asked by people all the time "how do I catch bigger Perch?". In a lake such as Lake Simcoe there is no shortage of big Perch to go around. There are subtle details on what types of habitats to seek out, as well as other considerations for big Perch but one of the best pieces of advice I can offer people is to fish BIG baits. The key here is that although they won't always attack these larger than average baits, these big baits will get their attention. If you have caught these big girls you have more then likely seen the big Goby's that they spit up. Baits such as large spoons or bass sized rattle traps work great when you are trying to get noticed. When I first set up on a spot I drop one of these down and start pounding bottom and ripping up a bit of weed if there is some. I will then just let the bait sit about 6 inches off bottom for a few minutes, then repeat. If there is fish in the area they will come to investigate. I always have a smaller typical Perch bait such as an Imperium Baits Flyweight Tube rigged up and covered in BioEdge Goby scent rigged up and ready to drop down if they won't eat the big bait. Also keep in mind that on super clear lakes such as Lake Simcoe you can often sight fish as deep as 30ft depending on the conditions. Use this to your advantage as you can learn a lot about these Jumbos watching them react to your presentations. I watched the perchzilla in this photo slowly move into view under my hole last weekend. I pulled the big spoon away from the smaller ones a few times and once she got close to it I just held it as still as I could until she smacked it! Good luck, have fun, and be safe as we enter the last ice period here in Ontario.