Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2017 - 24

Go Deep
for Late

Fall

PANFISH
by Darl Black

photos by the author

When you mention panfish fishing, most anglers visualize
fishing during the spring and early summer in relatively
shallow water. Fall panfish fishing in deep water isn't on the
radar. If you want to catch crappies, perch and Bluegills in
November and December, it's time to rethink your game plan.

Locating late fall panfish

My first encounter with late fall deepwater panfish was
by accident in the mid-1970s while fishing for bass on Lake
Nockamixon, Bucks County. Techniques and equipment
have changed dramatically in 44 years, but the natural
instincts of fish have not. Wherever baitfish go when the
water temperature falls below 50-degrees F, panfish are sure
to follow.
The latest sonars feature both down scan and side scan
modes, as well as a lake map on the screen. The digital
down scan (what is under the boat) is far more accurate
than traditional sonar, which provides many false signals.
Meanwhile, side scan literally paints a picture of bottom
objects to the left and right of the boat.
I can quickly discover deepwater structure, eliminating
areas lacking bottom cover and fish signals. Granted, it is
impossible to be 100 percent correct in identifying sonar
fish signals, but experience will eventually let you make
reasonable guesses as to likely species based on the size of
each signal, separation or closeness of fish signals, relation

to cover, distance off bottom and possible rapid movement
of signals.
On the impoundments and natural lakes I primarily
fish in the late fall, I find White Crappies, Black Crappies,
Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, Yellow Perch and White Bass at
depths between 20- to 35-feet, depending on the particular
characteristics of the lake.

Presentations

Here are my four most productive panfish presentations for
late fall cold water.
* Jig-n-minnow: Nothing is as basic as a jig-n-minnow
for almost any fish species including panfish. Bluegills
will take a minnow of suitable size, especially in cold
water. First select a 3/16- or 1/4-ounce leadhead jig with
a #6 hook-not a jig with a bass-size hook. Slip on a 1or 2-inch soft plastic body. Tip it with a small Fathead
Minnow or a 2-inch scented soft bait minnow. Drop
straight down to the fish observed on the sonar screen,
and use the rod tip to move the jig up and down or
in circles. No casting and retrieving-just a simple
vertical presentation.
* Blade bait: Over the years, blade baits have become
my preferred method for all species of deepwater lake
fish in cold water. Rigged with a snap and small power
swivel on 8-pound-test line, I've caught everything that
swims in Pennsylvania by burping the blade off the
bottom-not ripping wildly. Burping is simply sweeping
the rod upward until you detect the blade bait vibration,

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2017

www.gonefishingpa.com

http://www.gonefishingpa.com

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