Fish-On! Chapter 10

Pan Fish

Brought to you courtesy of... TV Ontario

"Let's go fish for bluegills." This statement would result in at least a few raised eyebrows and most certainly several negative jibes and derisive comments among average anglers. No one in his right mind would actually plan to fish for bluegills, or for that matter, rock bass or pumpkinseed. They are too small, they steal the bait, they're difficult to clean, and they almost always swallow the hook. They are more often an add-on to bass fishing or incidental to a catch of some other game fish. This negative attitude towards pan fish results in the angler losing the experience of taking a selective fighting fish.

The bluegill, pumpkinseed, and rock bass all belong to the sunfish family, which includes small and largemouth bass. All the sunfishes ar more or less brightly colored, especially the spawning males. Each differs in its preferred choice of habitat and in anatomical characteristics in size, color, and shape. But these variations may be so light that crossbreeding can occur, particularly when bluegills and pumpkinseed spawn in the same water. They are essentially warm-water schoolers and prefer fertile lakes of moderate temperatures with abundant rooted vegetation. They are nest builders, with the male performing the duty of caring for the young.

But it is their eating and sporting attributes that endear panfish to anglers. Anyone who has fished for them will agree on one thing: the fish fry which results from a mess of pan fish is a tasty treat. Few fish tantalize the palate like these delightful little morsels.

They are found in nearly all Ontario waters from the Great Lakes to near subarctic. They are often easy catches and are usually the first fish caught by a budding angler. In fact, they may be the only fish caught when other more glamorous game fish are being sought. These species are game sports fish when tackle is matched to their size and weight.

Unfortunately, an angler is more likely to be armed with a rod and reel capable of derricking a ten-pound pike out of the water when he hooks a sunfish. Setting the hook often results in the fish landing 20 yards back in the bush as the angler leans back on the rod. On the other hand, an angler who makes the conscious decision to fish for pan fish will select a light outfit more fitting to the task. It will allow you to cast small lures, flies, and bait with more finesse, and permit the fish to fight on its own terms. A ten-inch bluegill will put up a good battle on a four-pound monofilament line or leader tippet. Ultralight spinning tackle, a lightweight casting combination, or a five-weight fly fishing system will open the door to some outstanding fishing.

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