Avid angler Joel Nelson shares his must have summer panfish jigs and breaks down where and how he utilizes each jig.
4 Must Have Summer Panfish Jigs
Anytime you are fishing panfish during the summer months there are a couple of different options you need to have depending on the mood of the fish. Somedays the bluegills and crappies want to chase baits down and other days they may prefer a much slower presentation. It’s critical you understand what mood the fish are in and use that as a guide when choosing a bait.
Crappies and bluegills can be choosy at times and it’s important to have a variety of summer panfish jigs available, because the style and type of jig can really make a difference. There are four jig options that I always have ready to go when chasing summer panfish. Two options that work best with floats and two options that work best casting.
Northland Fire Fly Jig
The Northland Fishing Tackle Fire-Fly Jig is one of the best summer panfish jigs to fish under a float, because of its slow fall rate. This jigs slow fall rate is really the key to its success and is the biggest reason bluegills and crappies can’t resist it. It can be fished without the aid of livebait, but there is enough room on the hook to add a piece of nightcrawler or a wax worm. The Fire-Fly jig is available in three different sizes and a variety of great colors. It has a smaller profile than most panfish jigs and is really ideal for bluegills and other sunfish species. The Northland Fire-Fly jig is a staple for many throughout the spring and summer months for big bluegills and is a must-have for any serious bluegill angler.
Gypsi Jig
The Gypsi Jig by Northland Fishing Tackle is an old classic that is preferred by many panfish anglers who like to target bluegills and crappies with floats. It has a tantalizingly slow fall that fishes incredible well in shallow water scenarios. The Gypsi Jig offers a larger profile compared to the Fire-Fly jig and is better suited for crappies and perch, although big bluegills have no issue eating it. It has a crystal flash body that calls in fish from a long distance away and it is available in some vibrant, fishing catching colors. Tie the Gypsi Jig under a float and you’ll have an awesome presentation that works great fishing through vertical cover like bulrushes and lily pad fields.
Mimic Minnow
While there are a number of different baits you can cast for crappies one of the best is the Northland Fishing Tackle Mimic Minnow. While it is available in five different sizes the 1/32-ounce and 1/16-ounce is best suited for panfish. Typically when fishing for bluegills the 1/32-ounce works best and if you plan on targeting crappies use the 1/16-ounce. This pre-rigged bait is a perfect option for hungry summertime bluegills and crappies. You can cast this bait along ways out and it’s great for covering water. It’s great for fishing in all different types of cover but it really shines when fished along the weed edge with a moderately slow retrieve.
Thumper Crappie King
Another jig that works fantastic for casting or jig trolling is the Thumper Crappie King by Northland Fishing Tackle. A killer for big crappies, white bass, perch and other panfish the Thumper Crappie King has a flashy, fluttering action that flat out triggers bites. It can be fished over and around weeds and through brush and wood. It works great in all types of water conditions, however it is extremely effective in moderate to darkly stained water. It has a small blade that spinners giving off a ton of flash and vibration as you reel it in. It’s available in a number of different colors and in a 1/32-ounce and 1/16-ounce size.
