In late spring and early summer, it seems like just about all species of fish are moving and generally in the mood to devour any bait I put in front of them. Depending on the weather, most species are either moving shallow to let the “romance” begin, or coming out of their spawning rituals. Either way, their locations put them within easy reach for bank anglers.

So, what do you load in your tackle box or bag to head out with multi-species on your mind? When getting prepped, it’s always best to know which species you might encounter. A general idea of what inhabits your water of choice makes for easier packing. With the mixed-creel mentality, I find it more efficient to narrow down my gear, not so much by exact species, but fish size. For example, I’ll bring along a rod and tackle designed for panfish, and also a rod and tackle geared more towards larger sportfish such as bass, stripers, walleyes, smaller pike, and catfish. This two-rod setup is a very bare minimum for me, but it’s certainly more than enough for entertaining most species that swim in your favorite waters. Basically, it’s an ultra-light to light setup for panfish, and a medium rig for the other larger species; don’t go any heavier unless you’re certain you’ll be tangling with large species of fish.

As far as the terminal end of your line, if you prefer live bait angling, you have it made; just fit the hook sizes, weights and floats appropriate to the species you’re after. You lure slingers, well, a bit more packing is required for you, so here are a few basics.

Panfish

I’m a jig guy, so I’ll normally lean toward small jigs and tiny swimbaits. Today, we’re overwhelmed with all types of jig bodies, so it’s not difficult to find a body style that fills your style of fishing. After the jigs, I find tiny spinners to be exceptional for just about all species of panfish—both inline and safety-pin types. Throw in a couple of micro crankbaits you’re ready to go!

Larger gamefish

Once again, tailor your gear to the types of larger fish that inhabit your waters. Baits that appeal to multi-species make for easier packing. The ultimate choice is soft swimbaits; carry a few lengths and tail styles, various hook sizes or swim jig weights, and you can cover bass, walleyes, stripers and few pike as well. Your favorite topwaters and some shallow-running crankbaits are good bets, drawing strikes from various species of gamefish. Just keep it simple.

This time of the year, just about all species can be anywhere, so it’s a search mission trying to locate active fish. Keep on the move and choose search type baits to develop a pattern.

Since we’re exploring a mixed creel, I’ll make a suggestion concerning covering a topic that I haven’t touched on in a while.

Those other fish

I don’t quite understand the lack of interest from most of the angling public regarding freshwater drum; they’re “probably the most-caught fish while fishing for some other type of fish” that I know! I have never, since as far back as I can remember a pole in my hand, turned my nose up to any particular species. I’ve never been so die-hard for any one fish that I’ll ignore other species and miss a chance at tangling with a few other species, simply over public opinion.

Drum are a natural species to Illinois waters, found mostly in moving waters and some reservoirs that are dammed river systems. Locally, I’ve caught lots of big drum at Heidecke Lake because its water is sourced from the Illinois River, but the Illinois River itself is loaded with them, as is the Fox. Lake Shelbyville has them, with my biggest drum ever coming while fishing a heavy jig in the current for muskies; it topped 30 pounds!

Drum generally inhabit the depths, on or near the bottom. Any type of live bait will produce regular catches. I’ve taken my share on artificial baits on many occasions, not really fishing for drum; but suddenly, there they are!

When you find local drum waters, fishing for them is relatively easy. Target them in the river systems, as they are usually near or in current. Hard bottoms with some rock draw drum, as they are big-time hunters of crawfish hiding within the rocks. But drum are willing to eat anything live; present ‘crawlers, minnows, shrimp, anything natural, and they’ll be all over your offering.

Live bait rigged on your favorite bottom setups work exceptionally. These fish are not tackle-shy, so line and weights don’t bother them. The average-sized fish is in the 1- to 3-pound range, so use smaller hooks of your choice in the #4 to 1/0 range. But if you know that your waters have big drum over 10 pounds, you’ll need heavy hooks, line and tackle; they feel like you’re pulling on a freight train, and they will straighten light wire hooks in a heartbeat!

Rods, reels and line are similar to that used for catfishing; smaller drum are fine on light tackle, but once they start pushing 15 pounds and up, you’d better bring the heavy gear; they are not only powerful, but they use the current to their advantage as well.

If you prefer to pursue drum with artificial offerings, they are very active and will respond to very simple presentations. As I’ve mentioned, these fish are often caught on accident by anglers—especially smallmouth fishermen and walleye chasers. I caught a beautiful specimen over 15 pounds on Heidecke Lake in the middle of catching walleyes on deep-diving crankbaits; I thought I had the new state record walleye for sure! But while I can target these bulls of the deep with some simple rigs, my main focus is on jigs.

One of the top forage choices for drums is crawfish, so a craw-imitating setup will draw their attention. Smaller- to average-sized drum will go after Ned-rig-type crawfish imitators. Z-Man has some awesome stand-up craws; I like the 3-inch TRD HogZ and the 2.5-inch TRD CrawZ, but any similar-sized bait worked down in the rocks will get their attention. Three- to 4-inch swimbaits will appeal to larger fish and are engulfed with ease, as are deeper-worked crankbaits; just get baits down, working along the bottom, to connect with these fish.

Drum have pretty voracious appetites, so they are not as picky as some species for sure; another reason to enjoy these underrated battlers. Their fight is incredible; between their bulldogging toward the bottom and using the current to their advantage, they become hard-battling opponents. All in all, they’re a great fish to target in my eyes, though certainly not receiving the respect they deserve from most angers. So, why do they fall into the category of, “those other fish?” Some say that they make great table fare; I’m not speaking from experience, so you’re on your own if you decide to bring a few home for the pan. But if they are, they’re a plus if you like to consume what you catch.

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.