TOPIC:

Does anyone use artificial minnows!? Sometimes it’s a hassle to bring live minnows in case the Perch are in. 

I think quite a few people have started using them in the winter fishery. Don't hear a lot about it for summer perch, but don't know why it wouldn't work.

Minnows are a pain and they add up quick. Plastics don't go bad and you can catch many multiple fish on each one. 

If I can get out this summer for perch, I'm planning on trying to dropshot with Zman micro finesse plastics. I just got some for crappie. They last forever and stay on the hook really well. zmanfishing.com/collections/micro-finesse-baits
 

I was going to try gulp minnows

Only had success so far in the winter.  Still trying to make the plastics work in the summer for the same reason you are.  No luck yet.  Sometimes the silver fish don't cooperate and you need to switch gears on the fly.

Yes exactly!!! 

When I was a kid I had success in the summer fishing perch from Montrose Harbor with what they called a paddle bug in white. A small jig and 1 split shot 4 feet up, let it hit bottom and walked it back slowly jigging it used to catch just as much as the minnows.

What’s wrong with red worms? I catch blue gills and perch on a drop shot rig, #2 hooks, 4lb test and whatever weight necessary.  They’re far less hassle and cheaper than minnows, and they stay on the hook well when threaded through.
I mention perch here because I was fishing for gills, but caught perch along with them too.