Perch for dinner, was my mothers call often in the early 40’s. We were poor and lived in federal housing on the north side of Chicago. World War II had just gotten underway and the country had tightened its belt. Almost everything was rationed or in short supply. Dad had a job, but we three kids were very young so mom was a homemaker. Consequently we took advantage of the great Perch fishing almost next door at Montrose Pier in Lake Michigan.
Today as then, a mess of Perch makes a mighty fine and economical meal. But catching them does require some effort. First off we had to acquire some free bait. That is a healthy activity for the family and a great way to get the kids really ready for bed. Get them out in the evening after dark with a flash light and catch night crawlers. Learning to sneak up on a night crawler is quite an education in itself. They are slippery little guys. After an hours or so, with luck, you will have enough worms for a day or two of fishing and the kids will be looking for their pillows.
Perch seem to be always hungry and they also seem to run in schools. So at times, when they arrive at your bait the activity can be fast and furious. When we fished at the lakefront, there were people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, etc. etc. etc. If you were a fishing you were accepted regardless of who your were and everyone had fun. In most locations they have very few size and limit restrictions and almost any Perch 8 inches or over is well worth keeping.
A small panfish hook with a worm on it attached to almost any sized line will generally attract them. The rod can be almost anything from an ultra light to a light cane pole. Back in the day, and unique to Lake Michigan I think, we also used a trolley or rubber line to fish them. Those are less familiar tackle options these days. Someday I will write about that kind of gear. (Hey, I did! Check the link below.)
Now
What the heck is a trolley?
Also
Read about Montrose Pier
Canadian Perch Fishing