ICE OUT PANFISH

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One of my favorite times of the year for "BIG" bluegills and crappies is a week or two after last ice. I'll choose the dark water, shallow muddy bays on the west side of the lakes. The reason is, the sun will warm these shallow bays and the panfish will move into them to feed on the emergent insects. This is the time of year you will find the largest pan- fish in the lake, as they take the opportunity to feed on this smorgasbord rising out of the warming mud flats.

You will be fishing in water from one foot to three feet deep in what's left of weeds and reeds.

Ultra light tackle will consist of four pound test monofilament, small Thill bobbers and number eight hooks.

The bait that seems to work the best are Wax Worms that are threaded onto the number eight hook. The rig is set up with a small split shot placed a few inches above the hook, and the bobber set a maximum of one foot above the hook.

Hip boots, or waders seem to be a better choice over a boat, because the fish are a little spooky as you work the shallow flats.

The technique is to make as long of a cast that your Ultra light tackle can handle. Your retrieve is short twitches, and then leave a short pause between them giving the fish time to grab the Waxey. It seems the small surface commotion the bobber makes attracts these hungry panfish. There are times that it would be possible to fill a five gallon pail with these brutes, but remember don't be a hog, this is the brood stock.

Most of our lakes here in the north woods will have bays that I described previously. You may not hit the motherlode every time you try, but the fish will be there. There is about a two week window when catching these lunker fish is possible, before the smaller hordes move in.

Try this technique for some of the best panfishing you will ever experience.

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