The average
white perch is 6"-12" long and weighs less
than a pound. Currently, there are no size or creel
limits on these fish. They are opportunistic feeders
whose diet includes almost anything that floats, swims
or burrows on the lake bottom.
In addition to
being prolific feeders, white perch reproduce in large
numbers. By some accounts, they have become too plentiful.
They are credited with decimating the white bass population.
The once abundant game fish is almost extinct, and is
no longer considered a viable fishery on Lake Norman.
Fishermen complain that not only have the perch slaughtered
the white bass, but they have invaded brush piles that
produced limits of crappie in the past. Perch are also
believed to be playing a role in the declining stocks
of largemouth and striped bass. Studies are underway
to prove or disprove this theory.
Once established,
white perch can take over an impoundment. They are much
like aquatic weeds that become entrenched and are difficult
to control and remove. Because of its propensity
to out populate other species, one angler referred to
the feisty perch as "Hydrilla with Gills".
On the positive
side, white perch are fun and easy to catch. Its tasty
white meat is excellent table fare. They swim in large
schools and are easy to find with a fish finder, or
simply by drifting until they begin to bite. During
the day, they settle over humps, points and brush piles
at depths to thirty-five feet. At night, they
migrate to the shallows near lighted docks and piers,
and can be caught on worms, threadfin shad and small
minnows. Because of their aggressive nature, they
will also attack artificial lures. Small spoons,
crappie jigs and spinners will produce strikes. |
