The ice is thick, the air is crisp, and the promise of a successful perch ice fishing trip is in the air! But what’s the secret ingredient to filling your bucket? It’s all about the bait! Choosing the right bait can feel like a puzzle, especially with so many choices out there. Some days, the perch seem to love one thing, and the next day, they’re not interested at all. It’s frustrating when you’re out on the ice and your bait just isn’t doing the trick.
This is where our guide comes in! We understand how tricky it can be to pick the perfect bait for perch ice fishing. We’ve done the research and gathered the best tips for 2021 so you don’t have to guess. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which baits are most likely to attract those feisty perch. You’ll learn about different types of bait and when to use them, helping you catch more fish and have more fun out on the ice. Let’s dive into the world of perch bait and get you ready for your next adventure!
Our Top 5 Bait For Perch Ice Fishing 2021 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bait For Perch Ice Fishing 2021 Detailed Reviews
1. Lindy Perch Talker Ice Fishing Lure – Great for Perch
Rating: 8.7/10
The Lindy Perch Talker Ice Fishing Lure is a fantastic tool for anyone hitting the ice. It’s designed to attract a variety of popular game fish, making it a versatile choice for your tackle box. This lure works by creating a multi-sensory experience for fish, aiming to get their attention and trigger a bite.
What We Like:
- The beads and disk create exciting flashes of light, interesting sounds, and water movement. This combination really grabs the attention of fish.
- The special dropper chain keeps the hook away from the main lure body. This helps catch fish that might be a little hesitant or not in an aggressive feeding mood.
- It comes in many color combinations that have a proven history of catching fish. You can choose the best one for the conditions.
- When you jig it up and down, it sends out flashes, sounds, and water ripples. This stimulates the fish’s lateral line, drawing them in from far away.
- It’s effective for a wide range of fish, including Perch, Crappies, Walleye, Trout, and Whitefish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lure is sold individually, so you’ll need to buy multiple if you want a variety of colors or backups.
This lure offers a smart design that appeals to fish in multiple ways. It’s a valuable addition for ice anglers looking to increase their catch.
2. Berkley Stunna Fishing Hard Bait
Rating: 8.7/10
The Berkley Stunna Fishing Hard Bait in Perch color is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to fool even the most finicky fish. This 112mm, 1/2 oz jerkbait is built to catch attention with its lifelike movement and impressive casting ability. It’s designed to get bites from fish that might otherwise ignore your lure.
What We Like:
- It moves incredibly well in the water, darting side-to-side and turning 180 degrees with ease. This action really gets the attention of fish.
- The single tungsten weight transfer system makes it sink slowly and naturally when you pause it. This is a great way to trick inactive fish into striking.
- It’s built tough, so it can handle being used again and again.
- Professional angler Hank Cherry used a modified jerkbait like this to win tournaments, which tells you it’s a proven design.
- It’s designed to cast far, helping you reach those prime fishing spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the slow sink is great, some anglers might prefer a faster sink rate for different conditions.
- The included hooks are a size 6, which might be a bit small for targeting very large predatory fish.
This Berkley Stunna jerkbait is a reliable lure that brings a lot of lifelike action to your fishing trips. It’s a smart addition to any angler’s tackle box.
3. Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad Fishing Bait
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to reel in some serious catches with the Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad fishing bait! This Fire Perch colored lure is designed to fool even the wariest fish. Its realistic look, complete with 3D eyes, mimics natural prey, while its unique design creates tempting vibrations in the water. You’ll love how easy it is to use and the exciting action it brings to your fishing trips. This bait is a must-have for any angler looking to boost their success.
What We Like:
- Super realistic look with HD Tru Colors and 3D red eyes that fool fish.
- Amazing scent and flavor that keeps fish biting longer.
- Unique segmented body creates extra vibration and a great swimming action.
- Versatile bait that works for bass, walleye, pike, crappie, and more.
- Can be used with different rigs like jig heads or drop shots.
- The PowerBait formula is proven to make fish hold on longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3 1/2 inch size might be too small for some very large predatory fish.
- While the Fire Perch color is great, a wider variety of “match the hatch” colors could be even better for different water conditions.
This PowerBait Ripple Shad is a fantastic tool for anglers. It truly makes fishing more exciting and rewarding.
4. Berkley Powerbait Pre-Rigged Atomic Tubes Fishing Soft Bait
Rating: 8.7/10
The Berkley Powerbait Pre-Rigged Atomic Tubes Fishing Soft Bait, Perch, 1/16 oz is a game-changer for anglers. It’s designed to attract fish with its unique features. This soft bait comes pre-rigged, meaning it’s ready to go right out of the package. You can start fishing immediately without any hassle. The cut tentacles create a subtle movement in the water that fish can’t resist. It’s a fantastic choice for catching trout, crappie, and all kinds of panfish.
What We Like:
- It is pre-rigged and ready to fish, saving you time.
- The cut tentacles give off a natural, fish-attracting wiggle.
- It’s perfect for catching a variety of popular panfish like trout and crappie.
- A new 1/64th ounce size is now available for even more versatility.
- The “Perch” color is very realistic and effective.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1/16 oz size might be a bit light for very strong currents.
- While the cut tentacles are great, some anglers might prefer to tie their own.
This pre-rigged soft bait makes fishing easier and more successful. It’s a smart addition to any angler’s tackle box.
5. Laxygo Ice Fishing Jig Set Fishing Bait Lures Kit Jig Head Hook Set for Panfish
Rating: 9.4/10
The Laxygo Ice Fishing Jig Set is a fantastic little kit for anyone looking to try their luck on the ice. This set comes with 12 lures in total, featuring two different jig styles. Each style boasts six vibrant colors. These lures are made from lead and have bodies coated with realistic, vivid patterns. They are designed to reflect light from every angle, making them super eye-catching for fish. These lures are built to mimic the natural movement of prey, giving them a life-like swimming action. This makes them effective whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater. The kit is designed to attract a wide variety of popular game fish, including crappie, sunfish, panfish, walleye, bass, perch, and bluegills. It’s a great way to add variety to your ice fishing tackle box.
What We Like:
- Includes 12 lures with 2 different jig styles.
- Features 6 bright, attractive colors for each style.
- Realistic patterns and light reflection attract fish.
- Life-like swimming action makes them very effective.
- Works well for a wide range of fish species.
- Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lead material, while effective, can be a con for those who prefer lighter lures.
- The specific “Type-D-4pcs” designation might be confusing to some consumers.
This Laxygo Ice Fishing Jig Set offers a great variety and effective design for ice anglers. It’s a solid choice for increasing your chances of a successful catch this season.
Your Guide to the Best Perch Ice Fishing Bait of 2021
Ice fishing for perch is a thrilling winter sport. Finding the right bait makes all the difference. This guide helps you choose the best perch ice fishing bait for 2021. We cover what to look for, what makes bait good, and how to use it.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking bait for perch, a few things are super important.
- Size Matters: Perch have small mouths. You want bait that fits easily. Too big, and they won’t bite. Too small, and bigger fish might steal it. Look for bait that’s about 1-3 inches long.
- Color is Key: Perch like bright colors. Reds, oranges, and bright blues often work well. Natural colors like white and yellow are also good choices. Sometimes, a bait with a little sparkle catches their eye.
- Action and Movement: Perch are attracted to movement. Bait that wiggles or darts can really get their attention. This movement mimics small prey in the water.
- Scent: Some baits have added scents. These can help attract perch from farther away. Fish use their sense of smell to find food.
Important Materials
What your bait is made of affects how it works.
- Live Bait: This is often the top choice for perch.
- Minnows: Small minnows are a classic. They wiggle and smell natural.
- Worms: Crappie nibbles and wax worms are also great. They are easy to handle and perch love them.
- Grubs: These little guys are full of protein and have a natural scent.
- Artificial Baits: These are a good option when live bait is hard to get or store.
- Soft Plastics: These come in many shapes and colors. They can be rigged to have great action. Look for ones that are soft and flexible.
- Jigs: Jigs are weighted lures. You often tip them with live bait or a plastic. They sink fast and can be jigged to create movement.
- Spoons: Small spoons flutter and flash in the water. This can attract perch.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all bait is created equal. Here’s what makes bait great or not so great.
- Freshness: For live bait, freshness is vital. Healthy, lively bait is more attractive. Old or dead bait won’t work as well.
- Durability: Some baits fall apart easily. This is frustrating. You want bait that stays on your hook. Soft plastics can sometimes tear.
- Scent Strength: Good quality artificial baits have a scent that lasts. Cheap ones might lose their smell quickly.
- Realistic Appearance: The more a bait looks like real food, the better. Good colors and shapes help.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your bait is just as important as what bait you choose.
- For Beginners: If you’re new to ice fishing, start with live bait. Wax worms or small minnows are easy to use. They give you a good chance of catching fish.
- For Experienced Anglers: Experienced anglers often experiment. They might use specialized soft plastics or unique jig and bait combinations. They know how to give their bait the right “action.”
- Different Water Conditions: In clear water, natural colors might work best. In murky water, bright or fluorescent colors can stand out.
- Targeting Bigger Perch: For bigger perch, try slightly larger minnows or grubs. Sometimes, a slightly larger jig can also attract a bigger bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best live bait for perch ice fishing?
A: Small minnows, wax worms, and grubs are usually the best live bait options for perch.
Q: Are artificial baits as good as live bait for perch?
A: Artificial baits can be very effective, especially soft plastics and jigs. They are convenient and can be made to mimic live bait with great action and scent.
Q: What size bait should I use for perch?
A: Perch have small mouths, so bait between 1 to 3 inches long is generally ideal.
Q: What colors are best for perch ice fishing bait?
A: Bright colors like red, orange, and blue often work well. Natural colors like white and yellow are also good choices.
Q: How important is the scent of the bait?
A: Scent is very important. It helps attract perch from a distance. Many artificial baits have added scents to make them more appealing.
Q: Should I use bait that wiggles?
A: Yes, bait that has movement or wiggles can attract perch. This action mimics prey and gets their attention.
Q: What is a good bait for catching larger perch?
A: For bigger perch, try slightly larger minnows or grubs. A slightly larger jig can also help attract bigger fish.
Q: How do I keep live bait fresh during ice fishing?
A: Keep live bait in a cool place, like a bait bucket with a small aerator, or in a bait cooler.
Q: Can I use the same bait for perch year-round?
A: While some baits work well year-round, perch might prefer different baits or colors depending on the season and water conditions.
Q: Where can I buy good perch ice fishing bait?
A: You can buy bait at local bait shops, sporting goods stores, and many online retailers that specialize in fishing supplies.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!