LAT88 says "I caught a few females last year in March that were absolutely full of eggs. I didn't notice the males oozing with milt though." -- Okay you know where to get some YP locally. That is a big plus for achieving your goals!. Males will definitely have oozing milt at that time of year. Turn over slender bodied perch and gently push backward on their belly. Note the females may be a more aggressive bite due to developing eggs. Try fishing a little deeper, shallower or a different time of day for males (maybe earlier in the morning?).
IMO do not be hesitant to start fishing early especially if you are going to stock some of them in the pond just as brood stock spawners. Males may bite better pre-spawn and males start oozing milt a few weeks pre-spawn. Most any fairly, skinny, non-plump, fish (5"-6"+) pre-spawn is a male. Try to get a few pictures of your YP catches for us (especially me). As the spawn progresses and females are literally bulging save the ripest ones for your tank. Keep in mind that once the 1st egg ribbons are laid the YP spawning season usually lasts for only 10-12 days.
For your southern area that far south it surprises me that the spawn is in March. Here in mid-Ohio the 1st egg ribbons usually appear in 2nd or 3rd week of March. Then 90 miles north spawn starts last week of March and is basically done Apr 10.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 01/10/17 07:56 PM.
