Perch are similar to sunfish in that they don’t grow to be very big, but they are aggressive and great fun to catch! You don’t need any fancy fishing line, but you should at least make sure you are using the right lb. test.
Quick Look
- 4 to 6 lb. Test
- Best: Fluorocarbon
- Also Good: Monofilament
- Leader: Same As Main Line
Why Use Fluorocarbon Fishing Line To Catch Perch?
When perch fishing, fluorocarbon fishing line will give you a slight advantage over other lines. Fluorocarbon is less visible underwater, and has better abrasion resistance so it will last longer than mono.
Perch aren’t very line shy, so the advantages of fluorocarbon fishing line are only going to make a slight difference. If you are fishing highly pressured perch, then the difference is probably worth the price of fluoro.
One benefit of using fluorocarbon, is that you can use the same rod, reel and line to catch trout. Trout can be much more line shy, so if you are planning to target any trout, you should consider using fluorocarbon line.
Just as much, if not more important than the line material, would be choosing the correct lb. test for perch.
What lb. Test Fishing Line For Perch?
Anglers targeting perch will use 4 to 6 lb. test fishing line. Perch don’t grow to be very big, so using lighter line like 4 lb. test will give better castability for small lures and baits.
One thing to consider is if the perch are around thick cover. If you are pulling them out of thick bushes and weeds, then you might be better off with heavier 6 lb. test line.
Personally I stick with 4 lb. test as much as possible because it allows me to make longer and more accurate casts with light spinners and jigs.
What Leader Material For Perch?
The best leader material for perch is 4 lb. test fluorocarbon. If you are already using fluorocarbon as your main line, then this makes it easier because you don’t have to tie on a separate leader.
But honestly, if your reel is already filled up with 4 lb. test monofilament, then just use what you have. The difference probably isn’t going to be big enough to be worth tying on fluorocarbon leaders throughout the day.
Can You Catch Perch On Monofilament?
Monofilament is a great fishing line for catching perch. It is cheap, and more than strong enough. However, fluorocarbon fishing line does have some slight advantages over monofilament.
Perch aren’t too picky about what fishing line you use. So most anglers who want to go the cheap rout, will just stick with monofilament.
If your reel is already spooled up with 4 to 6 lb. mono, then you don’t need to change it.
However, if you are needing some new line, then I recommend using fluorocarbon. It’s only going to cost a few bucks more than mono.
The benefits of fluorocarbon are more abrasion resistance, and less visibility. The abrasion resistance will help prevent fish from breaking off, and the low visibility will allow you to use the same line to target trout and other line shy fish with better success.
Can You Catch Perch On Braid?
Technically you can catch perch on braided fishing line, but it is better to use monofilament or fluorocarbon. Mono and fluoro fishing lines stretch, which help keep the hook in the fish’s mouth.
Braided line will also cost more than fluoro or mono without providing any benefit for perch fishing.
The only reason to use braid would be if you only have braid and don’t want another setup for small fish. However, if you are going to use braid, you’ll want to at least add a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader.
Using a fluoro or mono leader, will make tying knots easier as well as give you a little stretch to help keep the hook in the fish’s mouth.
You will need to learn the Uni knot to tie mono or fluoro to braid.
