Size down
Use small baits: a waxworm, a 1-inch piece of crawler, or a small nymph. If fish keep stealing bait, go smaller on both bait and hook.
Depth
Panfish usually sit a little shallower than bass and close to cover. Use tiny twitches, not big moves.
Schools
Bluegill and crappie group up. When you catch one, keep fishing the exact same spot.
Keepers
Crappie and perch are excellent to eat. Check the limits, or keep a cooler's worth during a salvage.
Crappie vs bluegill
- Crappie: suspend off the bottom near structure; like minnows and small jigs; most active at dawn, dusk and on cloudy days.
- Bluegill: hang tight to cover and docks; love worms; bite all day in warm months.
Simple tackle
Light line (4–6 lb), small hooks (#8–10), a few 1/32–1/16 oz jig heads, tiny soft plastics and a pack of small bobbers. That kit covers almost every panfish situation.
Cleaning and eating
Keep keepers cold on ice, fillet them the same day, and pan-fry them. Panfish are among the best-tasting freshwater fish. Check the bag limits, except during a declared salvage.
Questions anglers ask
- What is the best bait for bluegill?
- Worms: a small piece of nightcrawler or a waxworm under a bobber.
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