For those not familiar with the term panfish, it pertains to a multitude of the smaller species of fish that fit nicely into a frying pan and provide tasty eating. Despite their relatively small sizes, they give a good account of themselves when hooked with light tackle.

I often write about bass fishing, but some of my fondest memories of great angling outings took place when crappies, bluegills and sunfish were the sought-after species.

On one occasion many years ago, a friend and I fished a large pond several miles from my home. The fish of choice that day were really big hybrid sunfish, many in the 9- to 10-inch class. I remember well the lure I was using that day: a 1/32-ounce, black/green Beetle Spin. I used a 5’6” ultralight Wright-McGill rod combined with an ultralight reel.

A couple of years ago, another friend and I fished a farm pond with bass being our first option, and then maybe crappies as our second choice. My plans soon changed when bass fishing proved slow, so I decided to change plans and try for crappies. I switched to a lighter rod and reel and tied on a 1/16-ounce jig with the very small Z-Man Micro TRD. I’m telling you, this was a great choice, as I proceeded to catch one crappie one after another, only one under 10 inches with some measuring 11 inches. My total for that day was 22 crappies, all of which I released as I didn’t have the time to clean any when getting home.

It’s important to match your tackle to the species you’re after. Other than an ultralight for panfishing, I sometimes go with a Fenwick light-action, fast-tipped rod. I match it with either an ultralight or light spinning reel spooled with good mono line, usually from the Gamma Co.

The B‘n’M Co. produces another line of rods that are great for panfish. I like their 7-foot, light-action Sam’s Super Sensitive or their 6’6” TCB ultralight rod. This model is the Lelands Trout, Crappie and Bluegill model.

Getting back to fishing experiences, two years ago I had the opportunity to take my granddaughter Leslie and her daughter Jouney to a small, local pond with a good population of bluegills. Jouney started out fast, catching one bluegill after another. I forgot about fishing, and so did her mother, as we both enjoyed a youngster having a great time. Jouney ended up the day catching 22 big bluegills, none under 8 inches, and a few that were 9 inches.

The bait of choice that day was Gulp Alive Crickets fished on a 1/32-ounce jig head, suspended 3 feet under a Mr. Crappie Rattlin’ Bobber. Her rod was a 5-foot ultralight with an ultralight reel.

There is nothing wrong with using live bait for panfish. On occasion, I’ve used wax worms, earthworms and nightcrawlers, but it’s easier to use artificials as they are easy to keep and there’s no worry about spoilage. Berkley Gulp Baits are a good choice, as well as their Crappie and Panfish Nibbles. I like to fish the Nibbles on either a small Mini Mite Jig or Custom Jigs and Spins Flu Flu Jig. I always fish these under a Mr. Crappie Rattlin’ Bobber or a Billy Boy Bobber under the Betts label. Some other artificials by Betts resemble the Beetle Spin and are great choices for all types of panfish.

Regardless of the species you are after, be sure to keep your tackle light to enjoy the sport more. And remember to be reasonable in the numbers of fish you keep, and to leave some for the next guy.

If you want to try a different, exciting fish species or technique, you’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.