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tad above where you expect the

fish to be. They’ll go up to take a
bait, but rarely down.

Black is a good jig color. In many
areas the panfish are eating just
hatched black bugs in the spring.
Crappies seem to prefer
something brighter. A Fire-fly jig

tipped with a small minnow will
be a winner.

Or try an Impulse Helium
Stonefly. These jigs are meant to
be fished under a bobber and

they look like the bugs that
panfish like to eat. Maybe tip it
with a waxworm or spike if the
fish are a little hesitant to eat it.

Twitch your rod gently to impart
a quiver to whatever jig you use.
Rig your baits on four-pound test

line. P-Line CX Premium has
become favored among many
anglers. It’s easy to manage and
it fishes well around cover.
Additionally, some of the most
successful panfish-catchers have
gone to longer rods. The

traditionalists might go with a
seven-foot rod in medium light
action. This length is good for swinging baits into position and for swinging fish into the boat.

Others go with a rod with no reel, just a couple feet of line tied to the tip. Cabela’s has one called a
Whuppin’ Stick that telescopes out to ten or twelve feet and is very affordable. They have become
extremely popular in many areas.

If you’re anxious to get fishing, find a panfish pond or lake in your area and get out there. The fish will
bite if you just put a lure in front of them.

Kevan Paul, noted Clear Lake Iowa fishing guide, with a spring crappie.

To see episodes of Fishing the Midwest television or fishing articles as well
as fishing videos, go to www.fishingthemidwest.com.