What is the single best perch rig, and why does it work?

A drop-shot or two-hook spreader, because both solve the same three perch problems at once. Weight on the bottom, bait suspended 10–30 cm (4–12 in) up puts food exactly at the eye line of a fish that feeds tipped-down and rarely rises; a tight line from weight to rod telegraphs the featherweight peck that slack-line rigs erase; and small #6–#8 hooks on short tags pass the throat test. The spreader adds the competition trick — two baits turn the school's theft instinct into doubles. Ultralight rod, 2–4 lb (1–2 kg) line or thin braid with a fluorocarbon leader, and you have the whole system.

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