Crappie & Panfish
Crappie, bluegill, and perch reward precision more than power, and this section covers the tactics that matter most for these species: reading suspended baitfish schools, matching subtle jig weights to water depth, and detecting bites that barely move a bobber or line. It serves anglers targeting slab crappie around brush piles and standing timber, bluegill cruising bedding flats in the spring, and perch schooling over deep structure in lakes and reservoirs. The light tackle required for these fish also makes this some of the most enjoyable fishing available, and it teaches finesse skills that carry over to every other species you chase.
Start with the guide that matches the species and season you're fishing, then use the linked tackle to build a setup suited to that specific bite. For the small jigs, tubes, and light lures these fish demand, browse the jigs and soft plastics collections.
Guides in this section
- How to Catch Crappie. Slabs on small jigs around cover.
- How to Catch Bluegill and Panfish. The perfect fish to start on.
- Best Lures for Crappie. Small jigs and soft plastics that load the livewell.
- Jigging for Crappie. Vertical and cast-and-swim tactics.
- How to Catch Yellow Perch. Schooling fish that bite all day.
- Seasonal Panfish Patterns. From spawn to deep summer schools.
Ready to gear up? Shop all bass tackle or go back to all guides.