your right salmon rebel ots of places aren't as deep as what I fish. I will use ice jigs with bobbers in a few areas I fish for them but most places that have bigger perch it way beter to use drop shot.. you can hook jigs up to them.. use minnows or whatever.. the biggest perch I ahve ever gotten came out of 22 FOW while using a dropshot rig (weight probably 3/8ths oz or 1/2 oz) and a 2.5-3 inch BLUEGILL!!! I have gotten perch with 5 inch shiners... second largest perch was thru the ice in 22 FOW with a "nunna bug" with spikes on 2 lb line.
how big were those perch you were getting?? you personal best etc... the lakes I fish are ultra deep and ultra clear so hinders shallow water perchin..