Are estuary perch part of the bass family?

Ribskull · #1 17-02-2015, 10:17 PM

Are estuary perch part of the bass family? They look so similar, a quick search didn't get me answers but it let me know they are commonly confused. If this is the case, I want one!! Do they go hard, pound for pound? Do they get big50-60cm? Do they smash surface? You'll see in my avatar that I love surface and that's my first surface bass and my favourite achievement in fishing, though I was targeting Barra.

Broomstick · #2 17-02-2015, 10:22 PM

Not only are they in the same family, they are in the same genus. Perch = Percalates colonorum, bass = Percalates novemaculeata. So yeah they are very closely related, and will even interbreed

Broomstick · #3 17-02-2015, 10:22 PM

Oh and yes they go hard, they get big, and they love surface

The G factor · #4 17-02-2015, 11:13 PM

I've found the go harder in the snags than open water, whereas bass go hard no matter where you hook em. They also feed closer to the bottom than bass generally do, but definitely love hitting surface!

Pistol · #5 18-02-2015, 03:15 AM

All of the above, and they do grow bigger than Bass, but judging by the size of that Bass in your avatar you might be waiting quite some time to get an EP that big.... Unless you go and fish with Mr Perch.

Ribskull · #6 18-02-2015, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistol

All of the above, and they do grow bigger than Bass, but judging by the size of that Bass in your avatar you might be waiting quite some time to get an EP that big.... Unless you go and fish with Mr Perch.

That's my only bass under 50cm lol, damn I want power perch

mr perch · #7 18-02-2015, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The G factor

I've found the go harder in the snags than open water, whereas bass go hard no matter where you hook em. They also feed closer to the bottom than bass generally do, but definitely love hitting surface!

You are 100% correct G

Breamingwithjoy · #8 18-02-2015, 08:10 PM

As others have said, they are kissing cousins

Great fun to target as You are generally fishing in water with the possibility of a decent by-catch if they aren't playing ball. You will often end up with a few big bream if you spend a day targeting perch maybe even a flattie or jewie.

Most bass water you get bass and not a lot else. One of my favourite spots offers bass, carp and the occasional catfish.

I love chasing Perch and have had some great 50cm+ fish which have been great fun but I would trade a perch for a bass of equal dimensions any day.