Summer Panfish Gear
Summer is a great time to chase panfish and is often overlooked by most anglers. The great thing about targeting bluegills and crappies in the summer is that the tactics and presentations don’t change much from the spring; you simple just have to look for them in deeper water. Here is some of our favorite summer panfish gear.
Big Bite Baits Lindner Panfish Special Jig
The Linder Panfish Special was specifically designed by Al Lindner and the rest of the Angling Edge team to target big crappies and bluegills. This bait can be casted, jigged, or fished under a float. When fishing the Lindner Panfish Special under a float make sure to tie the line perpendicular to the jig so that way it sits horizontally. This jig is available in eight different color options and 1.5-inch profile is perfect for targeting the biggest fish in the school. The Lindner Panfish Special is always in my summer panfish gear and is a favorite for big summer crappie.
VMC Bucktail Jig
The VMC Buck Tail Jig is a fantastic jig for all species but is a killer for panfish in the 1/32-ounce and 1/16-ounce sizes. The oval shape head allows anglers to have more control when working this jig in and around structure. The VMC Bucktail Jig has a realistic minnow profile and has a great action in the water. It also features a few strands of tinsel that give off some flash in the water. It’s available in a variety of great fishing catching colors including UV glow options.
Rapala Countdown Elite
The Count Down Elite from Rapala is a great bait for summertime panfish. In recent years panfish anglers have began throwing micro hardbaits for bluegills and crappies and have had a ton of success with them. The Countdown Elite allows anglers to target panfish that are suspend at various depths throughout the water column. The Countdown Elite is built with for maximum casting distance and accuracy, durability and a flutter on the drop. Its color patterns combine metallic plating, HD printing giving it an incredible realistic look in the water. It’s a great option for those anglers looking to target bluegills and crappies using micro hardbaits.
St. Croix Avid Panfish Series
The St Croix Avid Panfish Series in a 7-foot, 3-inch medium light power and extra fast action is the ideal fishing rod for summer panfish. The length allows you to have more control and also allows for long cast with small presentations. The high quality cork lasts for years and has the option for a split grip or full cork. It’s the perfect rod for swimming jigs, slip bobbering, or throwing micro crankbaits.
Wavy Lavel Pappi Sunglasses
The Wavy Label Pappi Sunglasses are great polarized sunglasses to wear all season long. The polarized lenses allow you to see into the water, giving you a crystal clear image. They are available in both a blue or silver lens and offer both polycarbonate or glass lenses. They feature rubber nose pads and rubber temple guards making them incredibly comfortable to wear all day long.
