Thread: panfish versus bass

We fish the Ausable River a lot, so we catch a lot of Small Mouth Bass. We also get a lot of Bluegills. I cleaned a 17" Smallie the other day and deep fried it. To our surprise it was pretty good. I have always thrown them back, but now I might just eat a few. I still think bluegills, Perch & Walleye are as good as it gets.

This is a great thread... When I first signed up here earlier this year I was very curious (and still am) about Crappie and why people loved fishing for them more than other fish. After fishing this year for crappie more than I ever have (still about 90% bass fishing, 10% crappie for me; although this fall and winter that may flip flop as my plan is to crappie fish a lot), I have absolutely loved fshing for them, for many different reasons.

First, I will take some crappie home to cook, and it is just the icing on the cake for a great day fishing (as opposed to catch and release all the time, which I do for bass). I have also become a better fisherman since I starting Crappie fishing: What I have learned about fishing in general from crappie fishing, is the whole concept of Slowing Down...slow is good most of the time, fishing vertical, being patient, the importance of weight, line, and color, and fishing small areas (say under lily pads) that appear to be vacant of fish (if you're throwing bigger bass lures and hauling water all day), but then with a small jig you're pulling up crappie pretty steadily at times. It never ceases to amaze me. These are places I would pass over quickly while bass fishing, yet they are full of life. The thrill is just the same as catching bass, stripers, you name it. I have friends that shake there nose at me for freshwater fishing for bass (as opposed to ocean: striper and blues), they think fresh water is boring. And of course folks that just fish for bass think the same thing about crappie. They just don't know what they're missing. It is all relative. If you're using bass gear and accidentally land a crappie, of course that might appear boring, as you weren't targeting them, and the gear is way too stout for the sport of it. With Crappie fishing, you may not be battling the fish as much as you would with a bigger species, but the thrill of victory and enjoyment of the catch is still there. And wait until you catch a 2# crappie on light gear when actually targeting Crappie, you will fall in love real quick, thats what happened to me...and thats what I am looking for this fall again... can't wait to land it!! It is every bit of fun as a 5# bass.

I used to bass fish a lot. Couldn't tell you when the last time I did though, not out of dislike, just don't get to fish as often as I'd like, so now when I'm able to go I like to bring back something for the effort (like lunch). I always followed catch & release on bass, and panfished for eaters.

As mentioned already, a lot of bass fisherman frown upon the panfish guys. And though, I have no problem with bass fisherman, or any other fisherman for that matter. I can't understand how fun it could be to reel in a bass on an H action rod with 30 lb. braid, on a 20 dollar lure. I see the guys on the lakes I fish do it, and its over before it starts. Maybe its just me, but I don't get it.

Originally Posted by Locator79

I can't understand how fun it could be to reel in a bass on an H action rod with 30 lb. braid, on a 20 dollar lure. I see the guys on the lakes I fish do it, and its over before it starts. Maybe its just me, but I don't get it.

It's not just you. I watch some of the bass pros on TV, and they practically "water ski" the bass into the boat. I know they're fishing against the clock and for a lot of money, but that's just not my cup o' tea.

I tend to fish for both - bass early in the morning and brim as the day moves on. If the bass are biting well I might spend the whole day on them, if not, it doesn't take me long to get a cricket in the water. I generally don't keep or eat bass, so I spend a lot of time focusing on just panfish because I prefer to eat them. I also love the sight and anticipation that comes with the movement of a bobber. After 45 years it still hasn't become old and the older I get the more I like it.

panfish for me, more action and more fish, and i love to eat them

most the time im using lures that will catch all of the above.if i catch bass on my usual UL stuff its fun,and if i catch bluegills and other panfish its fun.i don't like using really heavy rods and equipment.you have lesser chance to catch stuff when your whipping gianormus bass baits allover.you can still catch a 5 pound bass on a 1/64oz jig and other panfish sized baits tho.i mostly nail panfish with my flyrod and flies anyway.when im on the boat i bring 4 spinning rods and the flyrod.so i could still have 1 rod rigged with a bass sized lure id say like 3 to 4" and if things get slow throwin that bait,just set that rod down and use one with a smaller bait on it :D