Best Pan Fish Locations For Anglers

Panfish is a collective term for any small freshwater fish species that typically fit in one pan. This includes black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Panfish can be found in almost every lake and pond across Massachusetts and are relatively easy to catch. They can be caught using live baits like earthworms, crickets, or minnows, or with artificial baits like small jigs tipped with artificial grubs or minnows. When fishing for panfish, it is best to target areas with overhanging vegetation, submerged trees, shaded docks, and aquatic vegetation as they often seek cover.

Local lakes and ponds

When fishing in local lakes and ponds, it's important to look for "fishy" spots that provide structure, shelter, and cover for the fish. This includes shoreline structures such as docks, logs, stumps, brush, and rocks. In addition, look for natural or man-made structures like points, inlets, holes, and dams. These structures create shallows, which lead to plant growth, providing food and attracting baitfish, which in turn attract panfish.

Another thing to consider when fishing in local lakes and ponds is the depth of the water. Panfish can be found in both shallow and deep water. In the summer, they may seek deeper areas to escape the warm temperatures, so don't be afraid to search for them in deeper waters.

Additionally, target areas with overhanging vegetation, submerged trees, shaded docks, and aquatic vegetation, as panfish often seek cover in these spots.

Using live bait

When selecting live bait for panfish, consider the following:

• Minnows: Crappie tournament pros often choose larger minnows (at least 2 inches long) when targeting bigger fish. On Northern lakes with larger baitfish, such as gizzard and hickory shad, bigger minnows tend to produce better results. In contrast, smaller minnows (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches) work better on Southern reservoirs with smaller threadfin shad.
• Bugs: When fishing for shellcrackers or redear sunfish, a 1-inch crawfish is ideal. Crickets are particularly effective for bluegill and are usually available in uniform sizes at bait-and-tackle stores.
• Worms: Red wigglers and nightcrawlers entice sunfish to bite, but using too large of a worm can make hooking the fish challenging. It is best to use small pieces of a nightcrawler to avoid wasting bait.

Additionally, when fishing with live bait, it is recommended to use small hooks, such as size 6 or 8, to effectively catch panfish.

Fishing equipment

To catch panfish, you'll need to assemble a few basic setups that deliver enhanced sensitivity and the best possible bait action. Here is a list of fishing equipment you will need:

• Rods and reels: Light or ultralight action fishing rods paired with small reels loaded with 4 or 6 lb. test line provide a perfect amount of sensitivity and strength to handle panfish species.
• Lures and baits: Panfish will strike at a variety of natural and artificial baits. Try live baits like earthworms, crickets, or minnows. Small jigs tipped with artificial grubs or minnows can also be effective and allow you to target panfish at a greater depth. When fishing with live bait, use small hooks (size 6-8 are best).
• Bobbers (corks): Many anglers start their fishing careers with a bait suspended beneath a bobber. Slip bobber setups are popular as they do not require additional weight.
• Drop shot: Drop-shotting is a technique that allows for precise depth control when fishing for panfish on or near the bottom, such as bedding bluegill.
• Spinners: Spinnerbaits, inline spinners, and single spinner jig heads are effective for catching panfish like crappies.
• Hard baits: Jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, and spybaits are larger and more aggressive lures that can trigger strikes from bigger panfish.
• Gliding jigs and spoons: These lures are commonly used in ice fishing and are excellent for reaching fish at various depths. They are particularly effective during the fall months when huge schools of fish form in basin areas.

You can find panfish kits and individual pieces of equipment on Amazon or specialist websites like FishUSA and Trout Magnet.

Fishing tips

Where to Find Panfish

Panfish is a collective term for small freshwater fish species that typically fit in a pan. These include black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. You can find these types of fish in almost every lake and pond. They are relatively easy to catch and provide consistent action while enjoying a day on the water.

When to Catch Panfish

As the waters warm in lakes and ponds during the summer, you may find yourself catching an abundance of panfish. Don't overlook these fish as they are some of the best-tasting fish around.

How to Catch Panfish

• Panfish will strike at a variety of natural and artificial baits. Try live baits such as earthworms, crickets, or minnows.
• Small jigs (1/16 or 1/32 oz.) tipped with artificial grubs or minnows can also be effective and allow you to target panfish at a greater depth.
• When fishing with live bait, use small hooks (size 6-8 are best). A size 4 hook may help keep some of the smaller fish off your line.
• Target areas with overhanging vegetation, submerged trees, shaded docks, and aquatic vegetation, as panfish often seek cover.
• Use light or ultralight action fishing rods paired with small reels loaded with 4 or 6 lb. test line for better sensitivity and strength when handling panfish.
• Don't be afraid to search deeper areas where larger panfish may congregate to escape the warm summer temperatures.

Keeping and Preparing Your Catch

• Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and fish consumption guidelines before heading out. There may be specific rules or advisories for certain groups of people, such as pregnant women and children.
• Bring a cooler with ice or use a stringer to keep your fish fresh.
• Bleeding the fish before filleting will provide a cleaner finish without any blood remaining in the meat.
• Filleting takes practice, so be patient! Maintain a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
• Panfish fillets are smaller than store-bought options, making them easier to prepare and cook.
• When cooking, use an oil with a high smoke point such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
• Use a high-walled pot or pan to minimize mess.
• Let the fish rest on a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
• Try to minimize the number of times you flip the fish while pan-frying.
• Reapply seasoning or marinade a few times while grilling to enhance the flavor.
• Since panfish fillets are thin, tend the grill often and remove the fish as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to avoid overcooking.

Storing and preparing

Panfish is a collective term for small freshwater fish species that typically fit in a pan, such as black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. They are found in almost every lake and pond and are relatively easy to catch. Here are some tips for storing and preparing your panfish:

Storing:

• Keep the fish alive or chilled with ice immediately after catching it.
• Clean the fish as soon as possible to preserve its flavor. However, a whole fish can be kept for up to a day before cleaning if it is kept chilled.
• Once the fish is cleaned and filleted or steaked, you can store it in a few ways:
• Put the fish on ice: Use an insulated cooler and leave the drain plug open so that ice water runs out. Water can spoil the flavor of the fish.
• Refrigerate the fish: Wash it in cold water, dry it, and then wrap it in waxed paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the fish on ice or in the refrigerator for up to two days. Larger fish or larger pieces will keep longer.
• Freeze the fish: Clean the fish and place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. You can also wrap the fish in aluminum foil and then freezer paper. Frozen fish can last from three to twelve months.

Preparing:

• Familiarize yourself with the latest fish consumption guidelines, especially if you are serving freshwater fish to certain groups such as pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children under 12 years old.
• You can cook the fish whole, but filleting has some benefits. Removing the bones makes it easier to eat, and filleting also removes the skin, organs, and body fats that may contain contaminants.
• Always use a sharp knife and protect your hands with fillet gloves.
• Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
• Use a high-walled pot or pan to minimize mess.
• After removing the fish from the oil, let it rest on a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Minimize the number of times you flip the fish while pan-frying.
• When using a grill, place aluminum foil on the grate to prevent the fillet from falling through and to aid in cleanup.
• Reapply seasoning or marinade 2-3 times while grilling.
• Panfish fillets are thin, so pay close attention while grilling and remove the fish as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
• Any traditional fish seasoning, like Old Bay and lemon pepper, will pair well with panfish.

Frequently asked questions