DCL Monster Freak Perch

Comment

Comment by Johnny wilkins on March 21, 2010 at 10:50am

I think you need to harvest some bloodworm - nymph larvae- and then put these on a size 20 hook on .75 lb. line to tempt your reluctant planktohaulics.
Hit them with something just larger than the local daphnia and I believe you will win that battle. If that doesn't work, train the bloodworms to wear tiny daphnia costumes and disguise them prior to hooking.
Is there a such thing as a former fish biologist, I a mean, it doesn't seem like you stopped being one? Fantastic post except I am not sure what DCL is.

Comment by Jeremy R. Mayo on March 19, 2010 at 11:06pm

Yall ice fishin folks got some funny lookin setups! I dont think my crickets stand a chance

Comment by Don C. Hershfeld on March 19, 2010 at 10:08pm

JimG told me to go have a look at your site. I'm the guy pictured with the perch. Former fish biologist. Former aquatic ecologist. Now teach flyfishing 'smarter, not harder.' The rig you see is Version 8.0 of what some have called "The Tip Do(w)n." I am not the only practicioner of the TD here at DCL (where tradition dictates TU's are almost entirely used), but perhaps its prinicipal advocate among the frozen chosen... but am making converts. By mid-ice, as forage fish grow fewer and the fish slip into their typical luke-warm at best bite, I grew tired of chasing false flags and finding barely mouthed minnows, pre-maturely dropped by indifferent feeders when the vibration of 'tripping' sent the wrong message. Whenever fish are present and active, TD's always do well, but REALLY shine under those less than optimal conditions. Plus, provided you pay sufficient attention to what they are telling you, you can enjoy some indication of the little drama down below, in the moments leading up to the strike. They can be rigged to allow the wind to animate the bait, or not. One can play the fish directly from the reel, if desired (and its not too cold). Hole covers and spare baitwell improve efficiency, reduce maintenance. Only downside is storage, but I'm working on that next. Well, after getting the audible alarm (optional gizmo) worked out. I prefer to jig for 'gills, but one cannot both do that AND tend a field of TD's and do either one any justice. If/when my ears can alert me to action on the TD's, my eyes' tasks can be better accomplished. Bluegill in other waters have never been a serious problem for me, but DCL 'gills are different. They are my nemesis. Its quite humbling, really. VERY fussy, very well fed, typically do a lot more 'sniffing' under the ice than anything else. Unapologetic planktiholics, I suspect. Other fish actually fear me (at least if they had the sense required, they would), and not without just cause. Our 'gills just laugh me off, but I intend to learn and exploit their weakness(es), in due time.

It was a VERY sloppy ice surface that day, which'll regretably be my last for the season. Daffodils didn't even wait for our all-time record snow to melt away before pushing through the soil in the first-to-warm spots. I wore neoprene chest waders that day, as pac-style boots would be hopelessly too short for negotiating the water trails overlying the remaining hard ice under the slop. At one point actually lost my balance and fell onto my rear in at least 16" of water and slush... the waders were a good call. Hmmm.... just had a flash of inspiration on those elusive 'gills: has anyone ever tipped micro-jigs with amphipods/scuds? There's nothing new under the sun, of course, but that would be a novel look the ever-cautious ones would probably have no prior conditioning to. Only ten more months to ice-up! Hang in there.

Comment by Andre Sturkey on March 19, 2010 at 5:10pm

Jim that is an Incredible Yellow Perch!!! I am definitely Ice Fishing next winter!

Comment by Jim Gronaw on March 16, 2010 at 1:03pm

I am not familiar with the rig that Don and others use out on DCL, however, I do know that it is called a 'tip-down'. He actually set this photo up himself with a self-timer.

Comment by Johnny wilkins on March 16, 2010 at 12:51pm

What in the name of Sam Hill is that contraption in front of our angler? My question is - will the wife be angry when Spring comes to discover her designer copper garden sprinkler has been used as a fishing time machine? Is the rod an emergency Ninja sword? It looks like a sword and sheath. Kidding aside - awesome!

I'm impressed with everything in this picture! I love the camera angle - the pro ice wear and know that hours went into that custom rig- thanks for sharing this massive perch.

Comment by Howard Webster on March 16, 2010 at 12:51pm

Jim you guys catch some jumbo perch out of that lake . we have a lake northwest of me that produces nice Perch an all day outing may produce only 7 fish but they will run .75 of a pound and up

Comment by Jim Gronaw on March 16, 2010 at 9:25am

I did not catch this fish, it was caught by Don Hershfeld, owner of streams-and-dreams.net, and a frequent ice angler at DCL. Don kept this fish. You can check out the whole story on fishdeepcreek.com and click the message board under 'floppy, sloppy Friday. This was his personal best perch at DCL.

Comment by Larry Penland on March 16, 2010 at 8:57am

Just wondering, did you put it back, to grow some more?Just wondering..your fish, your choice.

Comment by Zig on March 16, 2010 at 8:37am

I'd be sporting a black eye if I ever called my wife "repulsively huge" when she was gravid!

Top looks a bit.........wet.