10_2025_REELLIFE_digital - Flipbook - Page 8
eric panfishing
For many anglers, panfish
are the first fish we've
caught, and for good
reason. Bluegill, Crappie,
Perch, and other panfish
are plentiful, cooperative,
and can be enjoyed as
a delicious meal. Yet,
despite their reputation
as "Beginner Fish",
experienced anglers know
that panfishing can be as
technical and rewarding as
any pursuit in freshwater
fishing. With the right
strategies and tactics, you
can consistently put more
fish in the boat or on the
ice, no matter the season.
In this article, I will
break down the keys to
successful panfishing,
from understanding their
behavior to fine-tuning your
presentation.
Know your Body of Water
and Species you're fishing.
"Panfish" is a catch-all
term for several species,
most notably bluegill,
pumpkinseed, yellow perch,
and both black and white
crappie. While they all share
similarities, each has its
own quirks, which can help
you understand how to
approach each one on the
water.
Bluegill & Sunfish:
Aggressive feeders that
relate closely to weed
edges and shallow flats,
especially in the warm
months.
Crappie: More structureoriented, often suspended
over deeper basins, or
schooling up around brush
piles. I also target large
Marina docks and boats.
Perch: Typically roam
a little more, especially
in winter, but will still
relate to breaks, deeper
weedlines, and especially
sandy muddy flats where
they gorge themselves on
bloodworms.
Knowing the tendencies
and behaviors of your
target species will help you
decide where to fish and
what tactics to use.
Seasonal Patterns
Understanding how
panfish move through the
seasons is the foundation of
consistent success.
Spring: As water warms into
the 50s, panfish start to
move shallow to begin their
spawn. Bluegill and Sunfish
fan out nests in shallow
bays, creating mine fields
of circle beds, while Crappie
