Eleventh Hour Panfish

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Local Ponds

With warmer than usual water temperatures and the possibility of a mild winter, panfish anglers should be aware that bluegills and crappies can be had all winter long as long as ice doesn't form. My friend Mr. Bob and I caught and released over 100 gills on December 1st and made several banner catches during November and on Black Friday as well. We had several bluegills spanning the 10-inch mark and encountered occasional crappies in the 13 to 15 inch class, all released. Small, public lakes and local farmponds are our targets for these fish on either side of the Mason Dixon Line.

Top baits were 1/64th oz jigs tipped with either a Gulp! Crappie Nibble, live mealworm or a plain 1/32nd oz jighead and a Gulp! 1-inch minnow. Sensitive bobbers and 2-4 pound monos aid in light strike detection at this time. Don't be afraid to scale down to 1/100th oz jigs as the water drops through the 40's. Some of the larger crappie favored hairjig/Crappie Nibble combos. Expect a decent largemouth now and then in with the panfish. Enjoy!