Hobbies And Interests
Light Tackle
Catch panfish with ultra-light tackle. The aerodynamic shape of panfish allows these fish to dart quickly back and forth; consequently, bluegills, as an example, can put up quite a struggle when hooked. Outfit yourself with a light flexible rod and reel. Spool the fishing reel with 2-pound-test line and place a plastic bobber about 15 inches above a No. 5 hook. Bait your hook with a cut fresh night crawler and cast the line into areas of a stream, river, lake or pond where the current is nonexistent or slow.
Jigging
The jig should be tied anywhere from 1 foot to four feet under the bobber. The location of panfish will determine how far and close the bobber is positioned. On casting, the bobber should be reeled slowly toward the shore. To attract fish, twitch the bobber or use any action such as jerking to simulate bait movement. Often, fishermen will dangle their jig in the water while jerking the line up and down to simulate a fish that darts in the water. The action of the jig can attract the panfish to take the bait. Anglers can use a jig from a boat, bridge or pier that extends over water.
Baits to Use
Anglers often make use of lures that come in bright colors and small size. For instances, crappie jigs that copy a small minnow come in flame red, pearl white, silver or even bright pink. This type of lure is highly effective when you're after panfish like crappies. Artificial flies that come in large sizes with colors ranging from cinnamon and red to black and olive and white are also worth considering since these baits imitate the natural baits such as nymphs, crustaceans and insects that frequent fresh waters.
Another technique is the use of "live baits" such as mealworms. When fishing waterways, place a mealworm on a hook with several small split shots, add a small plastic float about a foot to where the hook sits and cast the line into the water. Let the mealworm drift. This technique will get you a strike by a curious panfish.
Crappies
Crappies can reach up to 16 inches and weigh a pound or more. Knowledgeable anglers won't use the same type of spinner for crappie as they would for trout, bass or other game fish. The reason is the mouths of crappies are paper-thin and can tear easily. Often, anglers lose a crappie when attempting to reel in the fish, as the hook tears way from the fish's mouth. Consider using a spinner that is 2 to 3 inches in length, such as a Mepps or a rooster tail. A spinner that comes in this size is often successful in creating the illusion of a small minnow that darts in the water. Anglers pursuing crappie should use spinners with small treble hooks, since these hooks increase your chances of landing crappies.