Which bait is most effective for targeting yellow perch?

Small jigs tipped with maggots are particularly effective for targeting yellow perch due to their natural feeding behavior. Yellow perch often feed on smaller prey, and the combination of a small jig mimicking the movement of smaller fish or invertebrates, paired with maggots as an attractive bait, creates an enticing offering. The jig's action in the water, along with the scent and taste of the maggots, draws in yellow perch, which are opportunistic feeders.

Using larger minnows or clams may not be as productive because yellow perch generally favor smaller prey. Treble hooks can be useful in a variety of fishing scenarios, but by themselves do not constitute bait; they are rather a design for securing the fish once it bites. Consequently, the combination of small jigs and maggots aligns well with the yellow perch's dietary preferences and enhances the likelihood of a successful catch.