Several years ago I found the remains of a teenager who fell off a boat and drowned had been in the water for 3 months. If I take someone out in my boat I tell them about that kid and hand them a life jacket. As stated before - your boat your rules.
CL8 5" Clacker, the Bluegill Matte finish color looks like a perch to me and gets bit. Inexpensive as well and great customer service.
https://cl8bait.com/products/5-clacker-swimbait?variant=28377752657