Perch help please

Hey guys, I'm taking an "at risk" kid and his mom perch fishing at Simcoe next weekend and I need some assistance if you can. This kid is in a very toxic household (dad disappeared years ago) where he's starting to turn to the only people willing to pay attention to him, the Gangstas. I thought I'd take him to the lake for a day of something resembling "normal" activities. My dilemma, I've never targeted perch before. I'll be launching out of Harry's in Keswick. If someone could give me some direction on what to look for and where to concentrate, it would be greatly appreciated. I want this kid to have some fun doing something other than running the streets or video games. PM's would be welcomed as well.

Im taking wife and kids out tomorrow morning.....will let you know how we do....

dont see why you had to point out that this kid was a "at risk". was it to gain sympathy?

taking any youth fishing should be a good experience, plain and simple.

there's no problem in asking for a bit of help, no need to guilt trip us into giving up our honey holes.

if you havent perch fished before, do some research, perch like to school. Once you find a school you have a good time. get a box of worms, minnows, jigs...

I was fishing that part of cooks bay last week, I think all the weeds died around the shore, try to hit deeper water, find the schools.

Hey dude, Goshawk is a genuine caring individual. I think you misinterpreted his post as digging for info in a nefarious manner. He is a senior, he doesn't fish for meat, he is not looking to get honey holes, just some genuine help for a good cause.

I don't see where Goshawk was asking for honey holes or trying to guilt anyone into anything. I think he's simply trying to give a kid a memorable experience .

in that case, i respect what you do. i wont edit my post as that was how i felt before learning of the real situation. if you are looking for perch you have to move around a lot, look for weeds, sand bottoms, use minnows worms, soft plastics on jigs.

once I find a spot where i catch perch every cast, i know that i have found the school. once you find the school you keep baits there, until they move, then keep moving til you find the next one. perch are everywhere and biting frequently good luck

I do appreciate all the information guys. This is a new "targeted" species for me so I'm just trying to learn what to look for, not your personal honey holes.

Lake Simcoe is one big honeyhole for perch. At this time of the year look around 20-30' of water, especially near creek/river mouths. They tend to congregate in huge schools and once you find them you can expect to have a good perching day. Another way to locate them is to follow group of boats and fish near them. They love minnows (dead or alive doesn't matter) at this time of the year. I used dead/live/salted and whole or half (yeah cutting large minnows in two pieces) minnows to good success. Simcoe bug, (a small lure), and small jigs are also good bets if you don't want to use minnows. Good luck and tightlines.

This post has been edited by icecy on Oct 28, 2017 - 05:12 pm

Go to Casey's in Port Bolster, Taj will hook you up..

Hint: You will see the boats out there.

I'd recommend a drop shot rig with a heavy weight for a beginner. It will keep him in the strike zone as well as keep his hook out of the weeds. I'll PM you a couple locations but after the disappearing act they pulled this weekend - who knows what they're worth.

I was out there yesterday and the cluster of 50+ boats will give you a hint. If that does not give it away I do not know what will. 1 of every 15 was over 11 inches. Baiting hooks became annoying but for some it can be enjoyable. Nothing really worked but minnows... so you must bring them if you thinking twice.

Thank you guys. I really appreciate all of the info here and in PM's. I think if the wind stay where they are forecasted, he's going to have a great day in the outdoors doing something that just may stay with him for a long time.

One more quick question.....has anyone had any recent success in the river near Keswick, just in case the wind comes up? Thanks