Surf Perch

[AKBowman]

Was thinking of doing a clam dig / surf perch fishing trip during the next clam tide. Anyone have any reports on the surf perch fishing lately? Thinking LB or Ocean Shores.

[dreamunelk]

Digging should be good if the weather cooperates.  Kind of the wrong time of year for perch.  They are there but, not in the densities of spring and summer.  If you go to open sores check Damon point for cart tracks.  That is a good sing the locals are fishing out there.  Drive the main beach looking for the fishermen too.  If you find them then you likely found the fish.  There is a mixed group of retired guy's out there that have it dialed in.  As for long beach call some of the local shops for info.

[BigGoonTuna]

i usually catch bigger ones in the winter, vs the little runts i get in the summer.  fishing's usually a lot slower though, fishing half a day for a couple of bites.  not to mention the weather is a lot crappier.

[buckhorn2]

Might need some tall waders for clamming and a long pole for perch there will be a 20 foot swell saturday with 25-35 miles of wind.

[Encore 280]

Some mighty fine tasting fish there. We go down to LB for the derby in May and get a few for the fryin pan. 

[TheHunt]

I have never serf fished.  Sounds like some fun there

[Hornseeker]

I know one thing, its better than sitting on the couch! Although, 20 foot swells with the heavy wind would SUCK. I'd think the clamming would be near impossible.

[Encore 280]

It's a blast!! Those little buggers are hard hitters and ya know when ya got one on too!! Get's your attention. They're a real kick in the pants when you're into a school.

[Holg3107]

The wife and I will be heading to Mocrocks beach for the february clam dig and this got me excited. If anyone has info on a rig/bait setup that would be helpful. Im more of a bass fisherman but this seems like a fun way to kill a few hours. Im thinking something like a dropshot or carolina rig with a piece of squid on it?

[Encore 280]

I think you can google "long beach surf perch" and it'll explain how they do it down there. I could post some pictures but I have to go and resize.

[Holg3107]

http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Surf_fishing.htm

Just found this link, seems to be a good start for me. Let me know how accurate this info is for you surf perch pros out there. Looking foreward to February!!!

[Encore 280]

Just remembered, some guys use a crappie rig and modify it a bit with a little heavier line and some red beads.

[h20hunter]

Nice batch of fish.

[Encore 280]

Whenever we go down we head for the fish market out at Oysterville and buy a couple big bags of the Willabay Breading mix.  I think Jack's and the IGA down there might sell it too. Jeeze that stuff is the best for perch fillets or razors!! We're overdue, gotta get back down there. I miss all that stuff down there.

[beagledog]

Encore would you care to elaborate on this modified crappie rig

[BigGoonTuna]

it's similar to what i use - weight on the bottom, hooks tied on droppers up the line, so you get that weight stuck in the sand and the bait fluttering around above the bottom.

not too hard to set up.  i usually carry a couple dropper setups in a leader wallet along with a bunch of pretied hooks.  for the dropper i tie on a snap swivel, then two dropper loops about a foot apart.  for the leaders i use heavy line(like 12-15lb maxima) and a small hook(i like a #2 or #4 octopus), just about 8" long and tie a loop on the end.  the short stiff leaders don't tangle as easy as they do with limp line, and the fish don't care.

i rarely ever have to tie a new dropper setup on(unless i get a backlash and snap off my gear mid-cast), so that's the reasoning for the spares.  if i wreck a leader(as is often the case when de-hooking fish with pliers), i just un-loop it from the dropper and put a new one on.  not having to tie knots is a big consideration when getting pounded by surf, your hands get cold and it sucks to miss out on action in the middle of a hot bite!

most times i'll bait one hook with a piece of shrimp(uncooked prawns make great bait, they hold up really well and the perch like em), and the other with a 1" rubber grub.  usually you get bit on the bait, but if miss the bite and lose your bait, you still have a chance of getting bit again.  not to mention you can get a double if a school is passing by.

[upwind]

Is there any perch fishing around whidbey island.

[dreamunelk]

I found that Razor clam necks and freezer burnt clams will work well too.