Spinning for Perch

Complete guide — gear, lures, season and tips.

Gear

Rod
Spinning rod 1.8–2.4 m, casting weight 3–18 g, fast action
Abu Garcia Vendetta
Shimano Catana
Daiwa Ninja
Westin W3 Powerlure
Reel
Spinning reel, size 1000–2500
Shimano Sahara 2500
Daiwa Legalis LT 2000
Abu Garcia Revo SX 20
Mainline
Braid 0.08–0.12 mm (4–8 lb)
Leader
Fluorocarbon leader 0.20–0.28 mm, 50–80 cm
Hook
#4 to #1 (offset hook for jig heads)
Weight
Jig head 3–14 g depending on depth

Lures / bait

  • Soft plastics 5–10 cm (Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad, Savage Gear Cannibal, Westin Shad Teez)
  • Crankbaits 4–7 cm (Rapala Original, Salmo Hornet, Strike Pro Mustang Minnow)
  • Spinners size 2–4 (Mepps Aglia, Blue Fox Vibrax, Myran Agat)
  • Drop shot with small soft plastics 5–7 cm
  • Spoons 5–15 g (Abu Toby, Salmo)
Season
May–June (post-spawn) and Sept–Oct (autumn feeding). In mild winters, also Dec–Feb in southern Sweden.
Time of day
Dawn and dusk are best; overcast days fish well all day.
Pro tip

Target shallow reefs, reed edges, docks and rock piles 1–4 m deep. Perch shoal — keep casting the same spot after a bite. Slow the retrieve along bottom in autumn/winter, speed it up in summer.