Thread: Another Day With The Panfish Magnet.

Recently when we've gotten rain in the n.e. it's torrential. Lakes have come up big time allowing pad fishing in places low water didn't. If it wasn't for two deluges today, I would have gone over 100 fish vs 77, but I'll take it!
Many of you have read my posts and seen the variety of soft plastics - most which I pour or modify - rigged on light jigs so there's no point in posting them. But here's an example of the pads most fish were caught in:


Fish were holding near pad edges in 5' or in 3' which held fish that were easy to catch. Small pads didn't hold fish, only large pads. Small lures required a 1/24 oz or 1/32 oz jig with #6 hooks. A slow retrieve speed was a must especially in shallow water. Missed strikes still allowed hook ups with missed fish going after a vertically jigged lure.

Got soaked under the first downpour and then decided enough was enough with the second one with thunder the deciding factor. Between the two soaks, 20 fish were caught. Good thing for my 2.5 Merc 4-stroke motor both times!

Here's a shot of the lake, heat index of over 90 degrees:

Open water channels allowed the trolling motor to get through to other open areas.
side note: I was reeling in a yellow perch and a large pickerel stole the fish right off my hook! Brazen to say the least!

Pretty water and fish !
I think I’d be forced to use at least 4# line in that kind of vegetation.

I think I’d be forced to use at least 4# line in that kind of vegetation.

Agree completely!
I'm using Kastking 4# diameter / 10# test braid.
Braid is so much easier to keep line straight on the retrieve, light strike detection and hook sets at 40'.
More than that is forcing fish out of the weeds.
Wouldn't fish without it!

Some beauties there, spoon. Thanks for the take along.
Bob