Panfish
White Perch Fishing in Massachusetts

A small, schooling relative of the striped bass found in Atlantic coast estuaries from Nova Scotia to South Carolina and in many inland lakes. Catches peak during the spring spawning run and again from September through November.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- Massachusetts
- Water
- Fresh & Salt
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Prime Months in Massachusetts: No Agency Season Found
What to Use for White Perch
White Perch
No agency season found
No fly setup listed for white perch; see Spin / Cast.
Spin / Cast
6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 4 to 6 lb line with a two-hook bottom rig and bloodworm or grass shrimp, or a small spinner.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodUgly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod · 5 ft ultralight, 2 to 6 lb, 1 pieceCheck Price
- ReelPflueger Trion Spinning Reel · size 20Check Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 4 or 6 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Lure for October · 1/16 to 1/4 ozInline SpinnerAlong shoreline structure.See Options
- Bait for October · 1 to 3 inLive Minnows
- Bait for October · Whole or piecesBloodworms and SandwormsPieces on a bottom rig.
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Massachusetts fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Where to Catch White Perch
Shops to Stock Up
Big Fat Tackle - Tuna & Big Game Harpoons, Gaffs, Darts, Rod Holders
Newburyport, Massachusetts