Panfish Fishing
Map, fishing maps, charts, info and gear for fly fishing , anglers, and outdoors sportsmen.

Panfish Fishing
[Flounder] [Bluefish] [Grey/Speckled Trout] [Spanish] [False Albacore] [Drum] [Spot] [Tarpom]
[Panfish] [Largemouth]
[Shad] [Atlantic Striper] [Smallmouth] [Trout Fly Fishing]

Pictures for Penn. Fish and Game

Panfish, it is often argued, are one of a the most important recreational fish. Panfish are the fish many of us grew up catching. They are the fish that many of us will teach our kids and scout troops how 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. They are the fish we hone our fishing skills on. These all make panfish one of the 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. They will try to make up for winter during spring. 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.

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.

Many 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 3, 4 or 5 fly rod is ideal.

Try these flies for panfish:

  • Popping bugs -- Sizes 10 to 12
  • Normal trout catchers - Buggers, Nymphs
  • Terrestrials

Try what typically catches trout or bass in the area

Ultra light or light spinning equipment will also do well. 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.

Panfish are good fish to offer fun and relaxation -- especially for kids. Enjoy your fishing
 
Bluegill .... -
Fly Fishing and Flies
by Roxanne and Terry Wilson. Bluegill Fly Fishing and Flies will show you that large bluegill can be as selective as any trout. Their are legendary fighters especially on ultralight equipment or fly rod. The Wilsons share proper equipment, the best flies including techniques for using and recipes for tying them. The Wilsons identify the most productive bluegill waters, bluegill habits and behaviors, effective presentations, and many valuable tips to improve your game. This book is your guide to more and larger bluegills.
$16.95 plus $4.95 shipping
[TackleShop] Free shipping over $50


More valuable links to help you select a fly line size

Fly Casting LinkLetsFlyFish.com - Fly rod selection for trout, salmon, pike, bonefish and steelhead fly fishing
Choose a fly rod line size3M Scientific Anglers - Putting Together a Balanced System
------ NCFishandGame.com info and links ------

[Suggestion Form] [Link to your site] [ ] [ ] [ ]
NCFishandGame.com has been an all volunteer site with profits going to charity in North American.
Copyright © 2005/09 NCFishandGame.com, see legal. Rights reserved. with suggestions or questions.