From my just visual observations I would say that pellet (high protein) fed perch during the summer fall season are 10% heavier with a bulkier body compared to non pellet eating perch. I can usually recognize a pellet eating and non-pellet eating perch from the same pond.
If you don't see small perch (4"-6") in the pond or catch any angling with worms then you should periodically restock based on how many you remove. Assume at least an annual 10%-15% mortality that you never see. I've caught 8.5" to 12" perch in my using 4" YP as bait. A 3"-4" YP struggling on a hook is an easy catch for a larger perch. I don't think 8"-12" YP regularly eat 3"+ YP. But I think big adult YP will eat some 1"-2" YP.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/08/13 09:28 PM.
