TOPIC:

I have done a lot of perch fishing on Lake Michigan since 1987 and about 40 perch charters on Lake Erie.  Some differences:

1. The charters on Lake Erie leave their boat engines running when anchored. They believe it brings in the perch. 
2. They believe the diesel engines are better than gasoline engines to attract perch.
3. They anchor on the driver side out the back not from the bow. Less swing of the boat and they believe the engine running and bait from perch rods keeps the perch under the boat.
4. They don't use live bait but 3 to 4 inch minnows/shiners that are picked up in the morning. They keep the minnows on ice no water. The minnows are cut in half or thirds.
5. Their perch spreaders are different than the ones we use on Lake Michigan. 
6. They don't anchor until they see perch on the fishing graph.
7. Perch fishing has changed on Lake Erie as Lake Michigan. About 12 years ago we were going out about 25 miles northeast of Pelee Island to the dumping grounds. Limits of perch 10 to      15 inch common. This died about 6 years ago. Now we fish the second week in October in Ohio waters and usually limit out but smaller perch.

Bruce

The locals I've perch fished with always leave their motors running while anchored,like you mentioned they believe it attracts the perch.
I've also fished with a local that had what I called a cowbell,it was a piece of pipe with a length of rebar in it that was dropped down to the bottom and tied off so it clanked when the boat raised and lowered with the waves,said it attracts perch.

       Greg