Best Perch Lures for Every Season

Last updated on August 17th, 2023

Perch fishing can be a delightful pastime for both the experienced angler and the novice enthusiast. The enchanting yellow perch, renowned for its striking yellow and black stripes, not only puts up a feisty fight on the line but is also well-known for its tasty fillets. Choosing the best perch lures for your angling needs can significantly enhance your success rate and add to the overall fishing experience.

Types of Lures for Perch

1. Spinners: The flashing, vibrant action of spinners often attracts curious perch. When retrieved slowly, spinners mimic the movement of small fish, one of the perch’s favorite meals. The added advantage of using spinners is that they can cover a wide area, increasing your chances of locating a school of perch.
2. Worms: Whether artificial or live, worms are an excellent lure for perch. Their movement and scent can attract perch from a distance. Rig them onto a small jig for best results.
3. Topwater Lures: These lures can provide some exciting action. Perch, especially those in shallow waters, often can’t resist the temptation of a topwater bug or frog lure.
4. Crankbaits: Small crankbaits that mimic minnows or other small fish can be incredibly effective when targeting perch. These lures dive down to the depths where perch often lurk, catching their eye with an enticing wobble.
5. Minnows: If you’re after live bait, it’s hard to beat minnows. Perch are predatory fish that feed on small fish like minnows. You can rig them on a small hook or use them in conjunction with a jig.

The Best Perch Lures Reviewed

Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. Learn more about our review process here. We use so-called affiliate links in this article. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10 Fishing Lure

Key Features and Specs

The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10 Fishing Lure is a versatile lure that stands out for its unique design and action. This jerkbait measures 4 inches in length and weighs 7/16 oz, a substantial size that can attract a range of gamefish. It is available in several realistic finishes, including the appealing Perch design.

A key aspect of this lure is its irresistible ‘Slashbait’ action. The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait is designed to mimic the unpredictable movement of an injured baitfish, darting side-to-side, suspending, and then slowly rising when paused. It can dive to depths of 3-8 feet and features an internal long-cast mechanism, allowing you to cast it farther.

Performance and Situations it Shines In

The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10 Fishing Lure performs exceptionally well in various situations. Thanks to its wounded minnow action and realistic finishes, it shines in clear water conditions where fish are likely to be choosier about their prey. The slow-rising action, when paused, can often trigger strikes from following fish.

Moreover, this lure is not just limited to perch fishing. It can attract a wide array of predator fish, such as bass, pike, and walleye. Thus, it proves to be a handy addition to your tackle box for multi-species fishing trips.

Pros

1. Versatile lure effective for various species, not just perch.
2. Slashbait action accurately mimics an injured baitfish, attracting predatory fish.
3. Long-cast mechanism allows for greater casting distance.
4. Premium construction ensures durability and longevity.
5. Available in a variety of realistic finishes, allowing you to adapt to different water conditions and fish preferences.

Cons

1. The price point is a bit higher than some other jerkbaits on the market.
2. The hooks, while sharp, could be more durable.
3. The slow-suspending action might not suit all fishing conditions; it may be less effective in extremely cold or warm temperatures.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10 Fishing Lure is a top-notch lure that brings quality, versatility, and realistic action to your angling experience. It’s an excellent choice for anglers seeking a reliable, high-performing lure to attract perch and other predatory fish. While it’s slightly pricier than some competitors, and the hooks could be more robust, the outstanding features and overall performance make it a worthwhile investment.

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THKFISH Spinner Baits Fishing Spinners

Key Features and Specs

The THKFISH Spinner Baits are an assortment of vibrant and attractive fishing spinners that come in a pack of ten. These lures are specially designed to attract a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and of course, perch.

Each lure in the pack features a brightly colored body with a metallic spinner blade attached, which produces eye-catching flashes and vibrations when retrieved. These spinnerbaits are lightweight and compact, with each lure measuring 2.36 inches in length and weighing approximately 1/8 oz.

Performance and Situations It Shines In

The THKFISH Spinner Baits stand out for their excellent performance in both freshwater and saltwater fishing situations. Thanks to the vibrant colors and the flickering of the spinning blade, these lures are highly visible, which helps to attract fish even in murky or low-light conditions.

The spinners work exceptionally well for aggressive predators like perch, who are drawn to the rapid, spinning motion and the flash created by the spinner blade. These lures are versatile and can be used for casting and retrieving, trolling, or even jigging.

Pros

1. Vibrant colors and reflective spinners attract a variety of fish species.
2. The spinnerbaits are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
3. The pack of ten offers a range of colors to suit different water conditions and target species.
4. Lightweight and compact design allows for easy casting and carrying.
5. Excellent value for money, considering the number of lures in a pack.

Cons

1. While the lightweight design is beneficial for casting, it may not perform as well in heavy currents or windy conditions.
2. The hooks on these lures may require sharpening or replacement after heavy use.
3. The split rings and swivels attached to the lures could be more robust.

Final Thoughts

The THKFISH Spinner Baits offer excellent value for anglers looking to expand their lure collection. While they may not be as heavy-duty as some other options, they make up for it with their high-visibility colors, enticing spinner action, and overall versatility. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to target perch or other predatory fish species in different water conditions.

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Yamamoto 3.75″ Shad Shape Fishing Worm

Key Features and Specs

The Yamamoto 3.75″ Shad Shape Fishing Worm is a soft plastic bait that offers a realistic look and movement. Packaged as a set of 10, each lure is carefully designed to mimic the action of a real shad, an often-preferred meal for perch.

The lure is 3.75 inches long, a suitable size for a wide range of fish, not just perch. Its texture and flexibility enhance the realism of the worm, encouraging fish to strike and hold onto the bait longer.

Performance and Situations It Shines In

These Shad Shape Worms by Yamamoto deliver excellent results in a variety of fishing conditions, particularly in freshwater environments where perch thrive. The worms perform well on a drop shot rig, Texas rig, or Carolina rig. Their lifelike swimming motion, when retrieved or falling through the water column, is irresistible to predatory fish.

Additionally, these worms can be used for finesse fishing when fish are proving to be particularly stubborn or unresponsive to other lures. They’re excellent for slow, methodical fishing and can attract bites even in high-pressure fishing situations.

Pros

1. Realistic design mimics the look and movement of a live shad.
2. Versatile and can be rigged in various ways to suit different fishing conditions.
3. Soft texture encourages fish to bite and hold on, increasing hook-up rates.
4. Suitable size for attracting a wide range of fish species, including perch.
5. Excellent for finesse fishing tactics and high-pressure environments.

Cons

1. Soft plastic material, while realistic, can be prone to damage and might require frequent replacement.
2. Lack of built-in scent could limit their effectiveness compared to other scented soft baits.
3. The pack includes only one color pattern.

Final Thoughts

The Yamamoto 3.75″ Shad Shape Fishing Worm is a reliable choice for anglers looking to target perch and other predatory fish. Their realistic design and versatile application make them a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. While the durability could be a concern for some, the effectiveness of these lures in attracting bites certainly balances out the need for occasional replacement.

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Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Pro-Model Crankbait

Key Features and Specs

The Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Pro-Model Crankbait, designed by professional angler Kevin VanDam, is a top-quality fishing lure with a range of impressive features. Its square bill design sets it apart, allowing the lure to deflect off cover and elicit aggressive strikes from fish.

The bait’s Pro-Model construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance, built with premium components and meticulous craftsmanship. When it comes to action, the KVD Square Bill 1.5 delivers a unique wobble and erratic movement that convincingly mimics a distressed baitfish, irresistibly attracting predatory fish.

Its specific design targets fish in shallow to medium depths, making it perfect for fishing around cover like submerged vegetation, rocks, and timber. With a length of 2.25 inches and a weight of approximately 3/8 ounce, this crankbait offers versatility, appealing to a variety of fish species.

Performance and Situations It Shines In

The Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Pro-Model Crankbait excels in a wide range of fishing situations, particularly in shallow water environments where it can effectively navigate through tight spaces and trigger reaction bites. Some key performance aspects include:

1. Deflection Ability: The square bill design allows the lure to bounce off cover, such as rocks and stumps, creating a deflection that triggers strikes from nearby fish.
2. Crashing Action: The bait’s erratic swimming motion and wide wobble simulate the movement of a fleeing baitfish, making it irresistible to bass and other predatory fish.
3. Versatile Retrieve: The KVD Square Bill 1.5 can be retrieved at various speeds, allowing anglers to experiment and find the most effective presentation for the given conditions.
4. Effective Year-round: This crankbait can be successful throughout the year, but it particularly shines during the spring and fall when fish are actively feeding in shallower waters.

Pros

1. Excellent Deflection: The square bill design ensures the lure deflects off cover, increasing the chances of triggering strikes.
2. High-Quality Construction: The Pro-Model construction ensures durability, allowing the lure to withstand the rigors of fishing in demanding conditions.
3. Versatile: Suitable for a variety of species, including bass, pike, and walleye, making it a versatile addition to any angler’s tackle box.
4. Wide Range of Colors: The KVD Square Bill 1.5 is available in a variety of colors, allowing anglers to match the bait to local forage and water clarity.

Cons

1. Limited Depth Range: The lure’s design is best suited for shallow to medium depths, limiting its effectiveness in deeper water scenarios.
2. Requires Precision Casting: Due to its shallow-running nature, precise casting is necessary to target specific areas and cover effectively.
3. May Snag on Heavy Cover: The square bill design can occasionally get caught in heavy vegetation or brush piles, requiring retrieval adjustments or potential lure loss.

Final Thoughts

The Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Pro-Model Crankbait is a go-to choice for anglers targeting fish in shallow water environments. Its superior construction, deflection ability, and enticing action make it an effective bait for triggering reaction strikes. While it may have some limitations in deeper water or heavy cover, its versatility and fish-attracting capabilities make it a valuable asset in any angler’s tackle arsenal.

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Rebel Lures Pop-R Topwater Popper Fishing Lure

Key Features and Specs

The Rebel Lures Pop-R Topwater Popper is a classic topwater lure designed to imitate distressed prey on the surface of the water. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your fishing needs. The product measures about 2.5 inches in length and weighs 1/4 ounce. Its main features include a popping/chugging action created by its concave mouth, and it has quality treble hooks to ensure a solid hookset.

Performance and Situations it Shines In

This Rebel Lures Pop-R Topwater Popper excels in situations where perch are feeding near the water’s surface, particularly during dawn and dusk when many insects and smaller fish are most active. The lure’s popping action perfectly mimics an injured baitfish, triggering the predatory instinct of perch.

Furthermore, this lure is versatile enough to be used in a variety of different waters, from small ponds to large lakes and even slow-moving rivers and streams.

Pros

1. Popping action on the water’s surface imitates distressed prey, luring in perch.
2. Comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to match the bait to the water conditions and the preferred diet of local perch.
3. The quality treble hooks ensure a solid hookset.
4. Durable construction makes it a long-lasting addition to your tackle box.
5. Versatile and effective in different water conditions and environments.

Cons

1. As a topwater lure, it may not be as effective in colder conditions when fish are more likely to stay in deeper water.
2. The small size of some models may not attract larger game fish.
3. Some users have reported paint chipping after extended use.

Final Thoughts

The Rebel Lures Pop-R Topwater Popper is a great asset for any angler pursuing perch. Its topwater action and mimicry of distressed prey make it highly appealing to predatory fish, and its variety of colors increases its versatility. While it may not perform as well in colder conditions when fish stay deep, during warmer months, especially at dawn and dusk, it can be incredibly effective. Despite some minor durability issues, it is a worthy addition to your fishing arsenal.

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Techniques to Target Perch

Understanding where perch like to hang out and adjusting your technique accordingly can make all the difference. Here are some strategies:

• Structure Fishing: Perch loves structure, so fishing around underwater objects like logs, rocks, or man-made structures can yield great results.
• Vertical Jigging: This technique works well when you’ve located a school of perch in deeper water. It involves lowering your jig or minnow to the appropriate depth and then repeatedly lifting and dropping it to attract attention.
• Slow Retrieve: Perch are known to be curious yet cautious. A slow, steady retrieve often works best, giving them time to investigate the lure.
• Fishing Shallow in Spring: In the spring, perch move to the shallows to spawn, making them easier to target with topwater lures or shallow-diving crankbaits.

Conclusion for the Best Perch Lures

The diverse diet of perch allows for a variety of lures to be used in your angling adventure. By understanding the behaviors and preferences of perch, you can select the most effective lure and employ the best technique for the situation. Whether you prefer the active retrieval of spinners and crankbaits, the enticing squirm of worms, or the realistic temptation of minnows, there’s a lure and technique for every angler to enjoy perch fishing.

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