Panfish Fishing & Gear

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Essential Equipment for Panfish Anglers

Panfish might be small, but they’re some of the most fun and rewarding species to catch. Whether you’re chasing jumbo perch on the Great Lakes, stacked crappie schools in back bays, or bluegill around shallow weedlines, panfishing is all about finesse, light tackle, and reading subtle bites. It’s a perfect style for beginners, families, and experienced anglers who love dialing in precision techniques.

Key Gear for Panfish Success

Panfish anglers rely on ultra-light to light rods and smooth finesse reels to feel every tap. Light lines (usually 2–6 lb mono or braid with a fluoro leader) help present small baits naturally to finicky fish. Popular techniques include casting micro soft plastics, twitching tubes, live bait under floats, or vertical jigging for deep-water perch.

At Angling Sports, we stock the exact gear panfish anglers depend on, including:

Top Product Types:

  • Softbaits: Micro plastics, grubs, and finesse minnows perfect for crappie and perch.
  • Tubes: A panfish staple are deadly on crappie year-round.
  • Minnows: Realistic profiles for active fish in shallow or mid-depth zones.
  • Panfish Jigs: Tungsten and lead options for perfect presentations with small plastics or bait.
  • Spinning Rods: Ultra-light and light rods built for sensitivity, ideal for tiny jigs and subtle bites.

Complete Gear Lineup:

  • Panfish Rods: Ultra-light options from Shimano, Daiwa, St. Croix, and 13 Fishing.
  • Spinning Reels: Smooth 500–2500 sizes that pair perfectly with finesse setups.
  • Floats & Terminal Tackle: Slip floats, hooks, shot, and leaders for classic live-bait methods.
  • Micro Hard Baits: Rapala, Strike King, and Yo-Zuri crankbaits for when fish are aggressive.
  • Ice Panfish Gear: Tungsten jigs, micro plastics, and sensitive ice rods ready for winter perch and crappie.

Trusted Brands for Panfish Anglers

We carry the brands panfish anglers trust to put more fish in the bucket:

  • Bobby Garland: Legendary crappie plastics like Baby Shad and Slab Slayers.
  • Strike King: Micro tubes, crappie jigs, and finesse hard baits that hammer panfish.
  • Big Bite Baits: Proven softbaits and tubes perfect for perch and crappie schools.
  • Z-Man: Durable, buoyant finesse plastics that excel for selective fish.
  • Berkley: PowerBait and Gulp! minnows that panfish simply cannot resist.
  • Great Lakes Finesse: Canadian favourites for big-water perch.
  • Shimano & Daiwa: Smooth, ultra-light spinning reels built for finesse.

From Lake Simcoe’s famous perch to cottage-country bluegill and crappie, our panfish gear is tailored for Canadian waters and year-round action, including open water and ice season.

Shop Panfish Gear at Angling Sports

Angling Sports is your one-stop shop for premium panfish gear. With expert staff, the largest selection, and free shipping over $150, we make gearing up simple.

FAQs About Panfish Fishing & Gear


What are panfish, and what species are common in Ontario?

“Panfish” is a general term for smaller freshwater fish that fit nicely in a frying pan, perfect for family fishing trips. In Ontario, the most common panfish species include yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and rock bass. These fish are found in lakes, ponds, and rivers across the province and are known for being easy to catch and great eating. Panfish are ideal for new anglers or kids learning to fish since they bite frequently and fight hard for their size.

What’s the best bait for panfish?

The best bait for panfish depends on the species and season, but a few options always work. Live bait like worms, minnows, or maggots are top choices for perch and bluegill. If you prefer artificials, small soft plastics, jigs, and micro crankbaits can be just as effective. Try products from Great Lakes Finesse, Berkley PowerBait, or Z-Man for realistic action and scent. During winter, panfish love tiny ice jigs tipped with wax worms or plastics.

What size rod and reel should I use for panfish?

For panfish, the best setup is a light or ultralight spinning combo paired with 2–6 lb test line. A 6’ to 7’ rod with a fast tip will give you excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle bites while keeping things fun when a perch or crappie hits. Spinning reels in the 1000–2500 size range are perfect for lightweight lines and finesse presentations. Brands like Shimano, Daiwa, and Okuma offer great options for panfish anglers.

When is the best time to fish for panfish in Ontario?

The best time to target panfish in Ontario is from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures are moderate and fish are active. In spring, panfish move shallow to spawn, it’s a great time to catch them near reeds, docks, and weedy bays. Summer offers steady action in slightly deeper water, while fall can produce trophy-sized perch and crappie. Early morning and evening are usually most productive, especially during calm, sunny days.

Whether you’re casting from shore or using a small boat, Angling Sports has everything you need from floats and hooks to ultralight rods and soft baits.

What’s the best rig for panfish?

One of the best and easiest rigs for panfish is the float and jig setup, just simply tie on a small jig or hook below a bobber and add a bit of worm or soft plastic. The drop shot rig is another great choice for deeper water or crappie fishing. For perch, try a small spreader rig with two hooks and a small sinker. Panfish are light biters, so use light line (2–6 lb) for better sensitivity.

What lures work best for crappie and perch?

Crappie and perch love small, flashy lures that mimic minnows and insects. Try micro crankbaits, small spoons, or 1/16–1/32 oz jigs tipped with soft plastics. Colours like white, chartreuse, and pink are proven favourites. During colder months, vertical jigging with small spoons or tungsten jigs can produce big crappie through the ice. Top brands like Rapala, Acme, and Great Lakes Finesse make excellent lures for panfish. 

At Angling Sports, you’ll find a massive selection of ultralight lures and soft plastics designed to catch more perch and crappie in Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

Can I catch panfish through the ice?

Absolutely, ice fishing for panfish is one of the most popular winter activities in Ontario. Species like perch, bluegill, and crappie remain active all winter long. Use ultralight ice rods with 2–4 lb test lines, small tungsten jigs, or tiny spoons tipped with wax worms or soft plastics. Fish near weed edges, drop-offs, or under ice shelters for consistent action.

Do I need a special fishing licence for panfish in Ontario?

To fish for panfish in Ontario, you’ll need a valid Ontario fishing licence, either a Sport Fishing Licence or a Conservation Licence. These licences cover species like perch, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish, though catch limits differ depending on your licence type. Always check the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary for the latest size and limit rules in your fishing zone. Kids under 18 and seniors over 65 can fish without a licence if they carry government-issued ID.