This weekend I am planning on heading out to the lake for the first time in my new inflatable fishing kayak and targeting primarily perch and want to try for my first pike aswell. I’ve only ever fished the red deer and north Sask a little and only got the occasional Sauger and gold eye so I have a few questions as a beginner.

1.I do not own a fish finder, so what are some tips to finding schools of perch at this time of year? I know they spawn in spring and progressively move out deeper so where should I be looking and tips on finding the schools?

2.best times to go out this time of year?

3.I have an ugly stick gx2 that has no line in it, what test of line would you guys suggest(braid, I have steel leaders plus some 20lbs mono) could I use this rod for both? I have a medium heavy and medium light as well but also have no line in them.

4.tackle suggestions? I have a wide variety of spoons and spinners and jigs plus a box of frozen minnows

Thanks! Newbie fisher eager to learn