Hey guys, I've posted some surf perch reports in the past, usually I fished the SB or Ventura areas, but have gotten skunked the last four times that I went so I haven't posted.

Question for you perch experts.....I've got a 7' lightweight rod that I've been using. I keep reading about how you guys use 9' or 10' steelhead rods. Does the extra length really make a difference for fishing perch? I thought that the perch were supposed to be in close enough that I can reach them with my 7' rod.

But ever since I started getting skunked, I guess I wanna blame the rod for its lack of reach. What are your thoughts?

** tight lines make all my troubles go away **

I use only a 6-6 with a 3/8 to 1/2 oz sinker. I have had good days and blanked on others. I would guess that the fish were not where you were fishing, were not in feed mode or did not want your presentation rather than your casting distance. I have caught them in very close and as far as I could huck the grub. I think the prime advantage of a longer rod is not necessarily the distance as most fish are easily within range of a 6-6 or 7 footer, but one of being able to hold the line high up so as not to be snagged by incoming waves. I guess there are times that you'd need to cast "way out" but like I said, I've caught perch "way out" and that was within what I could reach with the 6-6.

Big Hammer Swimbaits/Fishco Leadheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

My experience has always been that one doesn't need great distance for sucessful perchin'.

I've nailed some nice slabs just feet from my feet! I like my Fenwick HMXS 9'0" Salmon/Steelhead Rod because its super sensitive and does allow me the ability to avoid picking up alot of salad and soup distortion in the inside breaker zone.

I own a 7'6" Shimano V Rod that is a real kick also. But I just like the extra fast taper that my Fenwick gives me with that length.

Don't feel too bummed about not doing well lately. Conditions have sucked the past few weeks.

Tight Lines!

Aztecwin

I don't think you have a problem with your seven footer. I think the problem may just be a matter of getting the fish in the mood. I started with a 6' then switched to a 7' and just in the last couple of weeks, I switched again to a 9'. There wasn't that big of a difference. It really did shoot the grub out there but all the bites came within casting distance of even the 6' rod! Like Fongster says, it really is about keeping the line above the breakers. That's the only clear advantage. Believe me. I had a couple of friends with me fishing my two 7' rods and they both smoked me! They each had like 8 or 9 and I only had a couple.

It just sounds like a classic case of fishing instead of catching. Sometimes we get um and others we don't. Just keep on keepin on! You'll find the fish again soon!

Darin

I agree with the others on the biggest advantage being able to keep your line above the rolling surf. As mentioned most fish are tight to the beach so casting isn't much of an issue but when it comes to corbina I've found that being stealth leads to success.

I fish them just like I would fish a wild trout in a stream. In spring and summer when you see them feeding in shallow water they most likely can see you. It's better to stand away from the water either cast down the beach to them from a distance or drift a bait to them. This often means casting a light bait with very little weight a good distance. Many times a heavy weight will only spook these weary fish. I've had more luck with fishing a small split shot or even just fly lining a softshell crabs to them.

I fish 4lb string on an 8ft 6wt spinning rod which I like a lot. This season I'm going to wrap a 9ft 6wt spinning stick and give it a try. I feel I get better hook sets and have more control when fighting fish in the surf on the longer stick. I think it's more personal preference than anything. Those long noodle rods are sure a lot of fun when the corbina or bigger perch get going though. Good luck and let them go so they'll be there when I go out looking for them. I'll return the favor.

JerryG

Yep, catch and release is the ticket! Release them gently and show respect.

Tight Lines!

Aztecwin

Thanks for the reassurances, I'll keep at it. I guess I'll stop blaming the rod ;-) This slump will shake off sooner or later.

Tight lines.

** tight lines make all my troubles go away **

I'm always using that excuse to buy more tackle, lol! If you don't have time to fish, just go shop for fishing stuff--it's the next best thing I think. Good luck.

--David

Big Hammer Swimbaits/Fishco Leadheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

Hey fongster,

I make it a point to shop the day before fishing, the next day on the way to the fishing spot for the really hot, caught 'em yesterday stuff and again on the way back after fishing to replace the stuff I may have lost.

Works for me!

JapanRon
a.k.a. tsurikichi

Hey there dball,

I'm a newbie to surf fishing the long beach, belmont beach areas but I am moderately satisified with the 9' 7wt flyrod/spinning rod conversion I made as you can hold your line up off the water better.(wave curls or peaks) As someone else said, that reduces the junk you'll get hung up on but it also reduces the drag/resistance the line imparts on the bait your throwing. That is, helping the natural swimming action of the bait.

I suspect that using the thinnest line possible, (I am using 2lb florocarbon so I'm making grub makers happy) as the line cuts through the waves and water easier, also has a positive effect in keeping the presentation natural and the bait in the water longer.

JapanRon
a.k.a. tsurikichi

I appreciate your insight. Based on the responses, I think I'll be downsizing my line to 4lb with maybe a 2lb leader. That should help give better lure action and cast farther. Thanks!

** tight lines make all my troubles go away **

I don't think that you have to go all the way down to a 2lbs leader. Remember that the waves and current add another variable that adds pressure on the line as well as the fighting fish. And who knows? You may "accidentaly" hook into a legal halibut while fishing for perch. It's been done before.

The lightest I go is 4lbs flourocarbon. I generally use a 6lbs flourocarbon leader and a 6lbs mainline, especially when the corbina are around. Good luck out there!

Tom
www.tacklethief.com

btw, I use a 10' crappie rod. You can cast it far if you need it, and it also helps to keep the line out of the water, thus preventing the waves from throwing your line around too much.