by Bob Jensen

It’s early spring and anglers want to go fishing. In many areas we can chase whatever species of fish we want to chase, but in some areas the season for walleyes, pike, bass and muskies isn’t open yet. But almost everywhere, the season for panfish is always open. Panfish are abundant in many bodies of water, they’re great on the table, and, if you keep a few things in mind, they’ll be willing biters. Here are some of the things you need to do to catch some crappies and bluegills right now.

First idea: You’ve gotta be fishing where the fish want to bite. There are times when there will be lots of fish in a particular area, but they aren’t willing biters. There will be fewer fish somewhere else, but they will be hungry and eager to take your bait. Early in the year, when panfish are the target, it works well to find the warmest water. The fish in warmer water early in the year will often be the most willing biters.

Warmer water isn’t the only thing though. It’s good if there’s some cover in that warmer water. Cover could be docks, trees or brush in the water, maybe some reeds: Cover can be just about anything that the fish can hang out around.

It’s also good to have deeper water nearby. Panfish like to have quick access to deeper water.

Search out the areas that are exposed to sunshine. If you have a temperature gauge in your boat, cruise around the various areas, keeping an eye on the thermometer. Note where the warmest water is, and if deeper water and cover are present, give it a try.

If you’re fishing from shore, fish the north side of the body of water. The north side catches the sun’s rays more intensely and will usually warm up quicker.

A variety of baits will catch early season panfish, but it’s pretty hard to beat a slip-bobber and a small jig. Remember that crappies have much larger mouths than bluegills or sunfish. If crappies are the target, a sixteenth ounce jig would be a good choice.

If you’re after ‘gills or sunfish, go with something smaller, maybe a 1/32nd 1/64th ounce jig.

A Fire-fly jig in the appropriate size and tipped with a minnow or small Gulp! Maggot or Earthworm or something like that would be a good starting point. A small Power Tube rigged on a jighead is also very good.

Use a smaller, thinner slip-bobber. You want something that the fish can pull under easily. A larger bobber has more water resistance and is harder to pull under. If the panfish feel too much resistance, they’ll spit the bait. The new Northland Lite-Bite slip-bobbers have a brass eye grommet that enables your line to slide through very easily. For panfish, the pencil float is a good design.

Now is the time to get after panfish. Keep enough for one meal if you want and put the rest back. This is a great time of year to get on the water, and panfish can provide lots of action. Find out soon for yourself how much fun early season panfish can be.

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