Perch sure to provide good time

The ice is out of Lake Simcoe and the weather is starting to warm up.
To the ardent angler, it’s a good sign as the season for jumbo yellow perch and black crappies is starting to heat up.
Tom Cheng, owner of Angling Specialties in Concord, says good yellow perch action is taking place off Jackson’s Point.
And it’s within eyesite of land, he said.
After launching your boat at Bonnie Boats, Mr. Cheng said just head out to where other boats are anchored and work that area.
“You can see them (yellow perch) in the water,” he said.
Among hot baits to employ are small live minnows or artificials such as 2 1/2-inch Fin-S minnows or Berkley power minnows in a minnow-imitation finish or pink with silver flakes.
“Run these baits off a float,” he suggested.
Black crappie action in the Holland River, Mr. Cheng reported, has been a hit-and-miss proposition so far.
“But if you hit them, you will have a good time,” he said.
Small live minnows or 1 1/2-inch coloured tube jigs run off a slipfloat are lethal crappie baits.
Fishing for yellow perch and crappies can be done with ultralight tackle and four-pound test line. As well it isn’t limited to adults. It’s an activity that’s great for youngsters, especially when the fish are in a feeding frenzy as they usually hit in droves.
Anglers should be sure to check provincial regulations before going out and be sure to have a residential angling licence if you are between 18 years of age and 64.