AKA: sand perch
Description: The fish has a greenish-blue back with bright silver or brassy sides and belly. It can be distinguished from other drums and croakers by its terminal mouth, five to six chin pores, lack of chin barbels and strong spines on the gill cover.
Size: Silver perch grow to 9 inches.
Sometimes confused with: croaker, juvenile weakfish, spotted seatrout or kingfish
Habitat: Silver perch are found inshore in sea grass beds, tidal creeks, rivers and marshes.
Eating habits: Silver perch feed on small crustaceans, silversides, anchovies and herring.
Life cycle: Spawning occurs in the late spring or early summer, beginning later and having shorter duration at higher latitudes. Off North Carolina, spawning lasts from April through August.
Fishing tips: Silver perch are often taken by hook and line as incidental catches and used as live bait for bluefish, mackerels and striped bass.
N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament
No award given for this species.
Regulations
Persons engaged in recreational fishing in North Carolina coastal waters are required to possess a Coastal Recreational Fishing License in accordance with G.S. 113-174.2.