On the other end of the spectrum, if you are fishing for perch then you will want to choose a totally different type of fishing rod. Perch are quite small fish that feed aggressively, but have a very light and soft bite when they strike your lure. Many anglers lose perch because they realize too late that they have a bite and fail to set the hook.

Perch is a fish that is normally caught by casting from shore. They tend to hang around in more shallow depths, which make them an easily accessible fish for adults, children, veteran fishermen, or beginners. They are a bony, yet tasty fish that are fun to catch.

When choosing a fishing rod for perch, I would suggest that you opt for one that is about 5 feet in length, although some anglers still prefer the longer 8 or 9 foot rods. An ultra-lite rod will allow you to feel the bite more quickly. The handle of a perch fishing rod is one of the most important aspects. Normally I would recommend a cork handle as cork increases the sensitivity of the rod.

The only downside to cork is that it wears away and chips very easily. For this reason, a foam handle is a great alternative to cork. It is slightly more durable yet still increases the sensitivity. To further improve the feeling, opt for a rod with a split grip or rd blank on the handle.

When it comes to the reel, choose one that fits the weight of the rod. A light, open faced spinning reel works best with a light test line. Usually 2 to 4 pounds is adequate. Note the difference from the test line you would use for walleye. Walleye is usually caught on 8 to 10 pound test line. The sixe of the fish determines the size of the test line.

To get the full “How to pick perch and walleye fishing rods and reels” article you’ll need to download it here.