Panfish, it is sometimes argued, are one of NC's most important recreational fish. Panfish are the fish many of us grew up catching. They are the fish that many of us will help our kids and scout troops learn to fish on. Likely, they are the fish we pursue when we want 1/2 hour fishing after work or church because they are everywhere. This makes them one of NC's more important recreational fish.

Bluegill

Bream

Sunfish

Panfish are abundant most places where there is fresh water. Catching this is simple, easy to learn and to teach, easy to do, and great fun.

Spring is the best time to fish but panfishing is good just about any time except in the dead of winter. In the spring as the river, creeks, ponds, and lakes warm to 50F and higher panfish will become active. Crappies, bluegills and other sunfish are trying to make up for three months of winter fasting. They school and begin to build up for the spawn. In the spring schools will nearly always be around some form of structure such as rocks, trees, grass and weed points, or dents in the shoreline. Drop offs will also be productive as will be fresh water entry points such as a creek entering the lake.

Spring is the hottest action of the year but the hot summer months are also good and perhaps more consistent. Small waters, ponds and creeks, may be your best bet during summer. In the heat panfish typically remain like shallow waters around flooded vegetation -- cattails and brush being best. In larger waters fish docks and similar shoreline structure that provide good shade.

During all seasons panfish may school thus you must be mobile to be productive. Here is where your canoe or kayak will come in handy; else be prepared to walk the bank.

How to fish: How to fish could be discussed but there is not set way. Most of my fellow anglers fish for panfish in preparation for river trout fly fishing or something similar. They use their base trout equipment thereby getting it shaken down. Panfish is a great fly fishing teacher as they are forgiving of poor casts and presentations of the water. A size 4 or 5 fly rod is ideal.

Any ultra light or light spinning equipment will also do well.

Bait, lures, and rigs: A pack of size 10 and 12 bait hooks; a variety pack of split-shot sinkers, and a pair of pliers and you are fishing. Popular live baits include worms, crickets, minnows, mealworms and wax worms plus others. Worms are always good for bluegill and redears while crappies better like minnows. The most effective artificial is small jigs that somehow resemble a small minnow. Try soft plastic, curly tail and tube body styles that are of jig sizes 1/32-ounce to ¼-ounce.

Popping bugs will be good on your fly rod.

Panfish are good fish to offer fun and relaxation -- especially for kids. Enjoy your fishing