Ice fishing for perch can be a rewarding experience, and using the right lures can significantly improve your chances of success. Here are some popular and effective ice-fishing lures for perch:
- Jigging Spoons:
- Northland Forage Minnow Spoon: Mimics a small baitfish with a good fluttering action.
- Acme Kastmaster: Produces a lot of flash and can attract perch from a distance.
- Clam Drop Jig: A tungsten jig that sinks quickly and has a realistic profile.
- Jig Heads with Soft Plastics:
- Bobby Garland Baby Shad: Small, soft plastic bait that imitates prey fish.
- Custom Jigs & Spins Ratfinkee: Features a soft body with a subtle tail movement.
- VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig: Tungsten construction for a smaller profile and faster sink rate.
- Tungsten Jigs:
- Lindy Frostee Jig: Tungsten jig with a horizontal presentation, great for finicky perch.
- HT Enterprises Marmooska Jig: Traditional European design with a balanced profile.
- PK Lures Predator Tungsten Jig: Designed for aggressive jigging and attracting perch.
- Rapala Jigging Rap:
- Rapala Jigging Rap: Has a great swimming action when jigged and can attract perch from a distance.
- Rapala Slab Rap: A thin, flat profile with a tight vibrating action.
- Small Lipless Crankbaits:
- Rapala Rippin’ Rap: Creates a loud rattling noise and aggressive swimming action.
- Strike King Red Eye Shad: Can be effective for drawing in perch with its tight wobbling motion.
- Marmooska Ice Jigs:
- Northland Tungsten Marmooska Jig: Features a slender body with a teardrop shape, ideal for perch.
- HT Enterprises Marmooska Diamond Jig: Has a diamond-shaped body for a unique fluttering action.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Lures:
- Glow-in-the-dark variations of jigs and soft plastics: Effective in low-light conditions and murky water.
When selecting lures, consider the size of the perch in your area and adjust accordingly. It’s also essential to experiment with different colors and sizes until you find what the perch are responding to on a given day. Additionally, always check local regulations and follow ethical fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of the perch population.
