Speckled perch come on strong when water temperatures dip throughout the southeastern United States.
Winter and early spring is the time when southern lakes and rivers are crowded by speck buffs eager to load an ice chest with fish that many claim is unequaled as table fare.
The speck is known throughout Yankeeland as a black crappie and, in case you're interested, its scientific name is Pomoxis nigromaculatus and is no kin to perch per se, but belongs instead to the bass and bluegill family of fishes.
Although the speck can be caught year-round, impassioned pan enthusiasts prefer colder months because the fish migrate into shallow waters to spawn.
Speck spawning areas frequently are found along weedy shorelines, in lily pad beds, bulrushes, maidencane, and around fallen trees. Bridges and piers are also considered to be likely hotspots.
When bedding, the male moves in to clear a saucer-shaped site near or under vegetation or obstructions. You'll recognize the male because its tail is usually bruised or frayed.
Next, the female moves onto the nest and lays anywhere from 20,000 to 160,000 eggs which are, in turn, fertilized by the male. These eggs require about two weeks to hatch and once the egg sac is used up, the tiny fry nibble on just about anything including other fish, crustaceans, and insects.
After reaching a length of about four inches during their first 12 months of life, the juvenile specks begin feeding on shad, grass shrimp, and small minnows with gusto.
Depending upon various habitat factors, speckled perch will measure from four to six inches during its second year, and from 6 to 10 inches in the third year.
While the average speck will weigh from one-half to one-pound, some get quite large, such as the 4-1/4 pounder taken from Lake Tarpon some years back, or the five-pounder caught in the Santee-Cooper Reservoir in South Carolina that measured on the plus side of 19 inches.
The longest speck I've ever seen was one I caught 35 years ago in a lake near Tupelo, Mississippi, that measured 21 inches. Even though its length was two inches longer than the world record, the fish was razor thin and weighed but one pound, 12 ounces.
There are a number of ways fisherfolks catch specks ranging from sophisticated fly rods to simple cane poles. Baits also vary from popping bugs, streamer flies, tiny jigs, and spinner-type lures, to live bait including Missouri minnows, grass shrimp, crickets, and worms.
Anglers can drift or anchor out in deeper waters in a boat, or they can sneak along a bank in or near heavy grass, lowering a bait or lure into small clearings or openings, similar to the technique used by bass anglers when flipping.
Because of its tissue-thin mouth, speck anglers are urged to set their hook lightly when feeling a strike.
In Florida, mid-December through late February or early March is prime time for specks which carry a 50-fish-per-bag limit.
Copyright (c) 1997 Herb Allen. All rights reserved.
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