Choosing YOUR BAIT for WINT ER PANFISH by Carl Haensel photos by the author Heading out in the winter to find panfish through the ice is always an adventure. If the stars align, you can have a great time on the water, catch a ton of fish and bring a few back for a nice meal as well. The key to catching panfish in the winter is matching the right bait and presentation with the fish species you're targeting. Here's how to go about choosing the right bait for the right time. Sunfish Sunfish come in all sizes. From hefty farm pond Bluegills to small, voracious Pumpkinseeds, sunfish are at the heart of Fathead Minnows are a top bait for crappies and other winter panfish including Yellow Perch and White Perch. Hook Fathead Minnows through the lips or in front of the dorsal fin with an ice fly or plain hook. 6 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2018 www.gonefishingpa.comhttp://www.gonefishingpa.com