Most anglers tend to focus on panfish, like crappies and bluegills, during the springtime when fish are shallow and easy to catch. However, summer is a great time to target fish that have moved deeper near established weeds and weed edges. We talk to our panfish experts to reveal how they find summertime panfish, along with their favorite tactics and baits.
Summertime is a great season for fishing, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. In this article, we will explore some fishing reports from different locations and learn about the techniques and baits that are working well. Whether you’re targeting walleye, bass, or panfish, there’s something for everyone. So grab your fishing gear and get ready for some exciting fishing adventures!
Duluth Superior Fishing Report
Captain Jared Houston provides a fresh report from Duluth Superior. He mentions that they have been trolling crankbaits and using worm harnesses to target walleye. They have been fishing at a slow speed of about 1.3 and have had success catching a few walleye on the deep channel edges. In addition to walleye, there is also awesome bass fishing going on in the inland lakes. They have been catching a lot of smallmouth bass over rock piles and deep wood structures using chatterbaits and soft plastics. Some days, they have been using spinnerbaits and other baits to target pike. Overall, the fishing in Duluth Superior has been productive, and anglers are having a great time out on the water.
Northern Wisconsin Fishing Report
Jeff Evans provides a multi-species report from Northern Wisconsin. He mentions that the post-spawn bite has been a little tough lately, with many fish moving towards deep water. However, the post-spawn smallmouth bite has been really good. Anglers have been having success using a variety of baits, including ned rigs, topwater lures, and swimming grub masters. The key is to mix and match baits until you figure out what the fish want each day. Walleye fishing has slowed down a bit, but anglers can still catch them using slip bobbers and leeches or jigs with leeches. It’s best to focus on low light periods like evening for better success.
Ottertail County, Minnesota Fishing Report
Garrett Sphere shares his experience fishing for largemouth bass in Ottertail County. He mentions that they have been doing some “junk fishing,” which involves using a variety of baits like chatterbaits, ned rigs, and wacky rigged Yamamoto Senkos. The bass are scattered on deep weed edges, and they have been keeping the boat at 12 to 15 feet of water. The most productive baits for bass in this area are Yamamoto Senkos and finesse baits like ned rigs and jig worms. Anglers are having success catching bass and are scouting for upcoming trips.
Leech Lake Fishing Report
The Leisure Outdoor Boys provide a fishing report from Leech Lake. The water temperatures are in the low 70s, and the fishing has been fantastic. Anglers are catching muskies, pike, bass, and smallmouth. For walleye, anglers are using a variety of techniques, including lindy rigging with leeches and crawlers, bobber fishing with leeches, pulling spinners with nightcrawlers, and throwing plastics and artificials like jigraps, crankbaits, and paddle tails. The key to catching fish on Leech Lake is to play the wind and fish where the bait is blown. The fish are not on super long break lines but rather in tight schools, so using electronics to find them is crucial.
Lake Vermilion Fishing Report
Billy Rosner shares his fishing report from Lake Vermilion. He mentions that walleye fishing has been good in the transition areas. He has had success using jigging wraps and VMC moon tail jigs, particularly in black color. These baits can represent leeches or mayflies and have been producing well. Live bait rigs with a 48-inch leader and weighted sinkers are also effective, with a half crawler being the preferred bait. Adding a bead above the hook can also improve success. Being versatile and fishing during the windows of early morning, evening, and cloudy overcast days can lead to a great week of fishing on Lake Vermilion.
Fleet Farm Cool Products
The Fleet Farm Cool Products segment showcases various fishing gear and accessories. Some notable products include the Impulse line from Northland Tackle, which offers pre-rigged options for panfish in different designs and colors. Big Bite Baits also offers soft plastics like the Kamikaze Swimming and Crappie Minor, which are great for panfish. VMC presents the Boot Tail Spinnerbait, ideal for fishing around weeds for crappie, and Rapala introduces the Slab Rap, a fantastic bait for crappie fishing. Blackfish offers the Angler UPF Sun Hoodie, providing sun protection and comfort. Balls Out Mounts presents a six-inch mounting system for marine electronics, ensuring their security. Bubba Blade offers the six-inch Ultra Flex knife, designed for panfish like crappie and bluegill. Lastly, Diawa introduces the Crossfire LT 1000 reel, a perfect size for panfish fishing.
Choosing the Right Rod for Panfish
Troy Linder discusses the importance of using the right rod when panfishing. He mentions that panfish rod technology has evolved over the years, and using the right rod with the right power and action is crucial for success. Linder recommends the Legend Elite Panfish series, which offers a light power and fast action rod. This rod provides the proper hook setting power and allows for long casts, which are essential when panfishing. Linder demonstrates the effectiveness of the rod by catching a nice bluegill and emphasizes the importance of practicing selective harvest to preserve panfish populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summertime fishing offers a variety of opportunities to catch different fish species. Whether you’re targeting walleye, bass, or panfish, there are effective techniques and baits to use. Reports from different locations like Duluth Superior, Northern Wisconsin, Ottertail County, Leech Lake, and Lake Vermilion provide insights into what’s working well in each area. Additionally, the Fleet Farm Cool Products segment showcases various fishing gear and accessories that can enhance your fishing experience. Remember to choose the right rod for panfish and practice selective harvest to preserve fish populations.
