Fishing White Perch

[kipbass]

Even though I got word the bite had slowed down I went white perch fishing anyway. After about 3 hours of jig fishing(only caught one) my line began to get twists and kinks. So I tied a small brass swivel on about a foot up from the jig. Does anyone think this is too close, or hinder the fishing completely? The water is HEAVILY stained, not sure if the sight of it would be an issue. The jig had to be fished on the bottom in order to get a bite. Food for thoughts anyone?

[andrewlamberson]

I like PowerPro...with a 12" leader of Fluorocarbon (or wire when Northern fishing)...and I always use a swivel.

With all the "stuff" in the water"...I think it blends right in. I do prefer a small black swivel over a bright one.

I really doubt fish recognize a swivel!....If they did...won't they recognize what the big curved, pointy thing coming out of your bait was!!!


Edit: I don't use a leader any longer than the distance I want between my lure...and the rod tip...so I can cast it without it running up into the guides all the time. I use as little as 6" for crappie/bluegill. Probably a foot for bass in clear water. When our water is off color...I just tie directly to the PowerPro....and yes after awhile with small lures I get some twist. Most of the time if you cut off the lure and troll the line behind the boat for a couple minutes the twist goes away.

[kipbass]

I guess my main concern was, is the swivel too close to the bait?

[pjmcla]

I would use a black swivel also; and maybe a little farther away - 30 to 36 inches.  That being said; does it make a difference? I can't say it does; but when using an anti-twist swivel if it gets within 24 inches or so  ( due to reties )  I will replace the leader.  It is a confidence thing for me. But;   A second comment.  I knew an old gentlemen that painted his swivels a brite color ( usually yellow  or chartreuse ).  He believed that the swivel created an attractor when painted like that.  He used small swivels about 8 - 10 inches from the bait.  He said it gave him confidence.  He kept several pre tied jigs with about 14" of leader ready.  I know he caught a lot of Crappie.
 

[ctom]

I guess my main concern was, is the swivel too close to the bait?

No. I guess I prefer a little longer if I am fishing junk so I don't have to keep cutting and adding leader line after a couple break-offs, but a foot is fine.

If you are getting a lot of twist while jigging vertically, try closing the bail by hand instead of using the crank. Each time you close the bail by cranking it closed you add 1/2 a twist to the line. This adds up over time, especially if you are doing real deep water.

[andrewlamberson]

I like PowerPro...with a 12" leader of Fluorocarbon (or wire when Northern fishing)...and I always use a swivel.

With all the "stuff" in the water"...I think it blends right in. I do prefer a small black swivel over a bright one.

I really doubt fish recognize a swivel!....If they did...won't they recognize what the big curved, pointy thing coming out of your bait was!!!


Edit: I don't use a leader any longer than the distance I want between my lure...and the rod tip...so I can cast it without it running up into the guides all the time. I use as little as 6" for crappie/bluegill. Probably a foot for bass in clear water. When our water is off color...I just tie directly to the PowerPro....and yes after awhile with small lures I get some twist. Most of the time if you cut off the lure and troll the line behind the boat for a couple minutes the twist goes away.

[susquehannasean]

Short answer to your question 12" in heavily stained water is fine.  More importantly what was the water temp where you were fishing?  Many factors would come into play this time of year.  Up North here in PA guys are catching perch on slip bobber with real small jigs.  Most of the guys round here will fish a superline with floro leader.. In the summer and fall before the turnover we fish crawler rigs through the schools with walking weights with to 1 1/4 oz to get it down.  As the water continues to cool it moves the fish.  Need more info on where you were to determine what the problem was...