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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus ~ White Perch
February 4, 2007
Waccamaws, commonly known as white perch, are relatives of striped bass. Both species are native to salt and brackish waters, but also thrive in an exclusive freshwater environment. NC's largest white perch, 2 lbs. 15 ounces, is just short of the world record, 3 lbs. 1 ounce. The average white perch weighs less than a pound and is six to twelve inches long.
Perch are very similar in appearance to white bass. The similarity often leads to confusion. The best way to determine which species you have is to pull the spiny dorsal fin forward from the down position. If the soft dorsal behind it moves upward as well, you have a white perch. Correct identification is important. There is a twenty-five per day creel limit on white bass. There is no limit on white perch. Neither species has a mandated size limit.
At a recent seminar, Lake Norman fishing guide Mac Byrum discussed methods he uses when fishing for white perch. After locating them, he marks the spot with a colorful buoy. He uses light tackle with various types of terminal tackle. His favorite is a simple split-shot pinched above a #6 hook. He also uses a multiple hooked rig with a weight below and up to four hooks positioned above. A third is a "Sabiki Rig", a pre-tied rig consisting of six small jigs and a snap with a weight at the bottom. If Mac wants to catch a variety of fish, including stripers, bass, and catfish, he "yo-yo's" a jigging spoon off the bottom.
The "Sabiki Rig" and jigging spoon do not require additional bait. The bare hooks mentioned in the first two setups, can be baited with a potpourri of tidbits. The most popular baits are threadfin shad. If shad are not available, he suggests using minnows, worms, shrimp, or small pieces of cut bait. "Being the aggressors that they are, perch will hit almost anything"; says Mac.
White perch like to roam open water and follow bait pods. They usually feed near the mouths of coves, in deep sloughs, along drop offs and near brush piles. Unlike crappie, perch do not set up housekeeping in brush. They merely feed on bait fish while passing.
According to Mac, "Larger perch tend to hold in deep water." He says, "Smaller fish stay shallow where they feed on aquatic insects and fingerlings; large perch follow the baitfish offshore. When water temperatures are either very hot or extremely cold, they stay deep, regardless of size. Don't be surprised if the arches on your sonar at thirty, forty and even fifty feet, are perch. Their arches are similar to those of stripers, and often fool the most experienced angler."
A sure indication that white perch are below the boat, is when you miss a fish and find that the bait has been skinned. When that occurs, downsize rods, baits, hooks and other terminal tackle and begin perch fishing.
Mac reminds anglers that, "White perch are attracted to lighted docks after dark. They dine on the bait attracted by the light."
Perch are not only fun to catch, but are excellent table fare. Although "catch and release" is an option, Mac claims, "They taste too good to let go."
Upcoming Events:
Mid-Atlantic Boat Show - February 7-11, 2007 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Details on the web at http://www.ncboatshows.com/.
Bass & Stripers on Artificials - February 13, 2007
Join bass angler Bobby Derrick and Capt. Gus Gustafson for an informative seminar on "How to Catch Bass and Stripers on Artificial Lures." This 90 minute class is free and open to the pubic at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting area of the Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills Mall. Call 704-979-2200 for more information.
National Striped Bass Association's - "Striperfest" Tournament at Lake Norman - February 17, 2007. Details on the web at http://www.fishnsba.com/ or call The Lake Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau at 704 987 3300.
Tips from Capt Gus: When unhooking a fish, hold it upside down. When held belly up, it becomes almost lifeless.
Hot Spot of the week is Ramsey Creek. Water temps are five to ten degrees warmer than at other creek arms in the lower end of the lake. Stripers are striking the surface at dawn and suspending off deep points throughout the day. Bass are active in both hot holes. Cat fishing is fair to good. The lake level is 95.6 or down 4.4' below full pond and the water temperature in the mid to high forties.
Captain Gus Gustafson is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a Professional Sport Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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