What’s the secret to a bucket full of bluegill and crappie? Many anglers chase the big bass, but there’s a special thrill in filling your stringer with tasty panfish. These smaller fish fight hard and are always willing to bite, making them perfect for a fun day on the water.
However, choosing the right lure can feel overwhelming. Should you use a tiny jig, a flashy spinner, or a bright plastic grub? Picking the wrong lure often means long stretches of casting with nothing to show for it. It’s frustrating when you know the fish are there, but they just won’t take the bait you offer!
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best lures specifically designed to trick sunfish, perch, and crappie. You will learn exactly which colors and sizes work best in different conditions, turning those slow days into successful fishing trips.
Get ready to upgrade your tackle box. Let’s dive into the essential lures that guarantee more action when targeting panfish!
Top Fishing Lures For Panfish Recommendations
- Same technology as our famed Crappie Nibbles exclusively formulated for panfish!
- Soft, yet long lasting, petite, preformed nibbles are easy to use with less mess
- Slowly disperses scent cloud to attract panfish for more bites
- Non-floating formula - ideal for fishing docks, under bobbers, tipping jigs, or filling tube baits. Even add to your hook when using live bait for even more scent and flavor appeal!
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT PRE-RIGGED ATOMIC TUBES FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring irresistible scent and flavor, Pre-Rigged Atomic Tubes are an essential tool for anglers who want to catch more fish.
- ENTICING ACTION: The unique tube design and cut tentacles provide a subtle, lifelike action that attracts fish and entices them to strike.
- MATCH THE HATCH with a variety of premium, forage matching colorways and sizes to choose from based off of fishing preferences and environments. Color: Grasshopper.
- TARGET A VARIETY OF SPECIES: PowerBait Pre-Rigged Atomic Tubes fishing baits are great for trout and all panfish species, including crappie, perch and bluegill. Comes pre-rigged and ready to fish.
- EXCLUSIVE POWERBAIT FORMULA: Berkley scientists have spent over 30 years perfecting the PowerBait formula. Fish love PowerBait so much they hold on 18 times longer, giving you the time and confidence to Feel More Bites.
- GREAT FOR PAN FISH AND OTHER SPECIES: These fishing lures catch anything that swims and will out-fish any lure on the freshwater stream for panfish. Catches trout, creek chub, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, you name it this lure can catch it.
- UNIQUE HOOK: The panfish magnet is the trout magnet body with a longer shad dart hook designed specifically for panfish. This makes it easier to remove the hook and keep catching!
- FALLS HORIZONTALLY IN THE WATER: The panfish magnet hook and body falls horizontally in the water instead of head weight like all other jigs on the market; This detail makes a big difference and leads to more fish on the end of your line!
- GREAT SIZE BOX FOR POCKET: Single sided Panfish Magnet Box Is the perfect size for a pocket or vest. With the best colors for panfish, this kit is all you need to have a great fishing trip!
- MADE IN USA: With high-grade plastic and greart colors that will not tear like other plastics on the market; the Panfish Magnet Fishing Kit is a great idea to include as fishing gifts for relatives and friends.
- Must-Have for Any Crappie Angler--Everything you need to go crappie fishing in any condition! XFISHMAN Crappie SPLIT-TAIL GRUB Kit includes 30 1.5" SPLIT-TAIL GRUB BODY in 6 effective colors.10 Big Eye jigheads W/Spinner in 2 sizes (1/16 oz and 1/32 oz), 5 colors, all conveniently placed in a thin lure box for easy access.
- Crappie Catcher--These soft plastic baits come in a variety of color combinations that are deadly on crappie, panfish and more. Mini Split-Tail Grub are a must-have for any crappie angler.
- Unique Split Tail Design--These split tail beetles have an excellent swimming motion at all speeds and are a Proven producer for all types of panfish, bream, perch, crappie, trout, sandbass, etc
- Unique Design Jighead--XFISHMAN BigEye jighead with the added attraction of an indiana blade-a deadly one-two punch for making lethargic fish bite. Great flash, great thump!
- Great Lure Kit--This set includes a total of 40 pieces, including lures and jigheads, offering a wide variety for your fishing needs.
- 50pcs/bag Trout Maggots. The Trout Worms Can be used for Trout Lure, Crappie Lure, Blue Gill Lure, Carp Lure and more. Our fake maggots can even use for a party gag gift.
- Simulate Worm Size to Design: Our Fake Maggots come in a size of about 0.79 inch, and can be stretched to about 1 inch. The artificial crappie lures is very similar to real bait.
- Our Trout Worms Maggots are made of high-quality PVC material, which can be safely and healthily touched, not easily broken, torn or faded, and are very reliable and durable. These Wax Worms will bring you a pleasant fishing experience.
- Our Rubber worms Maggots be used alone or in combination with other natural or synthetic bait. Our fake worms have demonstrated excellent performance as panfish bait.
- Our panfish lures is designed specifically for experienced anglers and beginners, ensuring that people of all skill levels can easily use it. The benefits of using pan fish lures for fishing include their flexibility, stretchability, and thinness. Rubber worms lures is a must-have for our fishing journey.
- 3" in length
- Multiple color choices
- Perfect for creek anglers
- Unique flailing action
- 8 Per Bag
- Various styles and sufficient amount: you will receive 10 pieces mini fishing lures in different shapes and good workmanship with plastic boxes; Built in steel balls caused strong sound travels efficiently through the water, enticing fishes strikes, very practical for fishing lovers
- Realistic design: the crankbaits features realistic looking eye and beautiful pattern around the whole body, the delicate design makes it looks vividly and realistic and easier to attract fishes
- Reliable Material: the micro fishing lures are made of ABS and high carbon steel material; These body parts and hooks are well made and have bright colors, and pointed hooks makes them powerful catching tools, never let the prey escape, can be applied for a long time
- Suitable for: these crankbait lures are nice tools to attract bluegill, perch, and crappie, bass, small largemouth bass, panfish, smallies, spotted bass and so on, practical and nice accessories for fishing in both salt and fresh water
- Nice Gifts for Fishing Lovers: the mini crankbait lures feature a proper size, compact size to carry and won't make the fish feel scared, especially in small streams, and can be sent as a gift for your families or friends who love fishing
- Good Variety Poppers: Excellent selection of 12 pcs popping bugs with 3 different sizes, they are well made with great craftsmanship, A must-have poppers flys starter set and ideal present for any fly anglers or fishing enthusiast
- Effective Popper Flies: Ansnbo popper fly fishing lures kit are selected and tied by fly fishing professionals with quality material, they are fished well and could help you catch more fish
- Catching More Fish: Our popper fly kit comes in a variety of colors and 3 hook sizes, so you could be fished in various condition and target different fish, this kit works great for bass, panfish, sunfish and bluegill etc
- Portable to Carry: Palm-sized design fly poppers fishing box is easy for you to carry in your fishing vest or pocket
- What You Get: Total 12 pcs fly popper lures in a transparent box, included fly fishing hooks size #6, #8, #10, if you have any problems with our product, please feel free to contact us, we are happy to help
Your Guide to Catching More Panfish: Choosing the Best Lures
Panfish like bluegill, crappie, and perch are fun to catch. They are great for beginners and families. Choosing the right lure makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
Good panfish lures have specific features. These features help attract those hungry little fish.
- Size and Profile: Panfish have small mouths. Look for lures that are small, usually under two inches long. The shape (profile) should look like their natural food, like tiny bugs or small minnows.
- Action in Water: How the lure moves when you reel it in is very important. A good lure wiggles, spins, or darts realistically. This movement catches the fish’s eye.
- Color Selection: Fish see colors differently depending on the water. Bright colors like chartreuse or pink work well in murky water. Natural colors like silver or green work better in clear water. Always carry a variety of colors.
- Hook Quality: Small fish can still bend cheap hooks. Make sure the hooks are sharp and strong enough. Sharp hooks mean better hooksets.
Important Materials
The material of the lure affects how it acts and how long it lasts.
- Plastics (Soft Baits): Many top panfish lures use soft plastic. These feel natural to the fish. Look for plastics infused with scent. This keeps the fish biting longer.
- Metal and Hard Plastics: Jigs often use metal heads or hard plastic bodies. Metal helps the lure sink quickly. Hard plastic bodies are durable.
- Feathers and Hair: Some classic panfish jigs use natural materials like marabou feathers. These materials move beautifully, even with very slow retrieves.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the lure impacts your success on the water.
What Improves Quality:
- Fine Finishing: Lures with good paint jobs and realistic eyes look more appealing. High-quality paint resists chipping when fish bite them.
- Balanced Weighting: Jigs need the right weight distribution. A well-balanced jig swims correctly, even when you stop reeling.
- Durability: Lures that survive being snagged on rocks or trees are better investments. Strong plastic bodies last longer.
What Reduces Quality:
- Dull Hooks: Hooks that are not sharp will miss fish. Poor quality hooks often need sharpening right away.
- Flimsy Components: Thin wire split rings or weak swivels break easily. These failures cost you fish.
- Poor Paint Adhesion: If the paint flakes off after just a few uses, the lure looks unnatural.
User Experience and Use Cases
You use different lures for different situations.
- Jigging (Vertical Presentation): Small jigs are perfect for dropping straight down next to docks or under bobbers. This is the most common way to catch panfish.
- Trolling (Slow Movement): Small spinners or crankbaits work when slowly pulled behind a boat. This covers more water.
- Shallow Water Bugs: Foam or hair flies mimic surface insects. Use these when panfish are feeding near the top of the water on calm mornings or evenings.
When fishing around heavy cover like weeds or wood, choose weedless jig heads. This design helps prevent snags. Always match your lure size to the size of the local baitfish or insects.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Panfish Lures
Q: What is the best all-around lure size for panfish?
A: Most anglers agree that lures between 1/32 oz and 1/16 oz are the best starting points for panfish.
Q: Should I use a bobber (float) with my panfish lure?
A: Yes, a small, sensitive bobber is excellent. It keeps your lure at the perfect depth and signals when a fish bites.
Q: Are scented lures better than unscented ones?
A: Scented lures often give you an advantage, especially when fish are being finicky or when the water is cold.
Q: What is the best color for clear water?
A: Natural colors like white, silver, or smoke (gray) usually work best in clear water conditions.
Q: What is the best color for muddy or stained water?
A: Bright, high-visibility colors like chartreuse, hot pink, or orange create a strong visual target in murky water.
Q: Are hard plastic lures effective for crappie?
A: Absolutely. Small plastic crankbaits or tiny lipless crankbaits are very effective for actively feeding crappie.
Q: How do I store my soft plastic lures?
A: Store soft plastics in their original bags or containers. Do not mix different brands of soft plastics together, as some chemicals can melt them.
Q: When should I use a very light jig head?
A: Use very light jig heads (1/32 oz or smaller) when the fish are deep or when they are biting very softly near the surface.
Q: Do I need to add live bait to a plastic lure?
A: While not always necessary, tipping a plastic jig with a small piece of live waxworm or minnow often increases your catch rate significantly.
Q: What material is best for panfish spoons?
A: Spoons should generally be made of polished metal, like brass or silver-plated metal, to maximize flash as they wobble.