Northwest Fishing Magazine October 2025 Volume 5 Issue 2 - Flipbook - Page 11
a flat or structure. Typically,
I drill 15-30 holes before I
start dropping lines.
Downsize: Smaller baits and
light lines are necessary.
Tungsten baits are my goto, as I can fish them fast
and get down to depths
quickly. Minimize the gear
you bring to lighten the
load in your sled you're
dragging behind you.
Stay Mobile: Panfish roam,
and staying on top of them
is key to steady action.
Electronics are especially
valuable here, letting you
watch fish react to your bait
in real time.
Conservation & Ethics
While panfish are
abundant, local populations
can be impacted by heavy
harvest, especially large
breeding fish.
Practice Selective
Harvest: Keep enough for a
meal, but release the larger
ones when you can, to
maintain healthy genetics
Know the Regulations: Size
and bag limits vary State
to State, and sometimes by
body of water.
Handle with Care: Use a
wet hand when unhooking
and handling fish in
the cold temps. I try to
minimize the time I lay
a fish on the ice, as fish
don’t have eyelids, so you
can damage the eyes, not
just the skin. Minimizing
air exposure will help the
survival of the fish you plan
on releasing.
One of the best things
about panfishing is its
accessibility. Whether it's
from the dock, boat, or ice,
you can enjoy success. It's
the Gateway to introduce
kids and beginners into
fishing, fast action, frequent
bites, and plenty of smiles.
But for a handful of us
seasoned anglers, panfish
offers a challenge. Finding
the biggest Crappie in
the lake or coaxing a wary
Bluegill from its bed takes
skill, patience, and attention
to detail. My final thought
is this. If you approach
panfishing with the same
strategic mindset you
would for Bass, Walleye, or
Trout, you'll quickly discover
that these "small fish" can
be very rewarding. Whether
you're filling a bucket
for a fish fry or targeting
Trophy Class Slabs, the
combination of smart
location choices, precise
presentations, and seasonal
awareness will keep your
rod bent all year long!
And don't forget to "Reel in
Those Memories"!
