In many areas of the Midwest, walleye and northern pike season doesn't open until mid-May, and bass and musky seasons open even later. But the weather can be beautiful in April, and after a long winter many anglers want to chase some fish. That's where panfish come in. Most states don't protect panfish the way they do other gamefish. I don't know why that is, but they just don't. For many anglers, panfish are the only game in town right now, but that can be a pretty good game.

We are lumping all species of panfish into one pot here. Keep in mind that there are differences in the various panfish species. These differences mean that we might need to alter our fishing techniques according to the panfish we're after. For instance, crappies have a much larger mouth than bluegills. Therefore, much of the time, a smaller bait will be better for bluegills. However, let's talk in generalities about how you can take advantage of panfish right now.

Shortly after the ice goes out, panfish will go on a bite. This can be a pretty inconsistent bite however. One day the fish will be in the shallows eating everything they see, the next day they're nowhere to be found. Generally, they will be the most active in the shallows on warm days. As the water warms, the fish become more active and likely to eat. If a cold snap strikes, the panfish and most other fish will abandon the shallows. In the spring, cold fronts can really change fishing.

When the fish are shallow, stealth is important. Noises will spook the fish, as will sudden motions or too much activity. Long casts will prevent spooking. If you're using a bobber, use a small one. A small bobber doesn't create as much disturbance as a large one when it lands, so the chances of spooking the fish are less with the small bobber.

Light line and small jigs are preferred by most panfish anglers this time of year. Four-pound test XL is just about perfect for most situations. Team this with an ultralight rod, Fenwicks and Lightning Rods will be just right, and a small Agenda reel. Fire-fly jigs are favored by many panfish anglers. These jigs have feather bodies that undulate nicely even when the bait is just hovering below a bobber. Tip the Fire-fly with a small minnow or Power Wiggler.

1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs will be used most of the time, but when the fish won't cooperate, don't hesitate to go to a 1/64th ounce jig.

Just because various state agencies choose not to protect panfish doesn't mean their numbers are infinite. We still need to put some of them back. Keep a few of the small to medium ones for the table, put the rest back. By doing so, we will have something to chase before the seasons open on the other gamefish.