Fishing - What are Panfish?

If you have seen a few previous posts of mine, you know that I am starting to learn how to fish as a hobby. This information will come from a USA-centric point of view but I hope it may have value for others.

A part of this hobby is learning not only the techniques and tricks but learn about the fish themselves. A common term that I have been hearing is that of "pan fish". Join me in learning more!

Examples of Panfish

The term Panfish is used to describe an edible freshwater fish that does not outgrow the size of a cooking pan. Some common species that are considered panfish include bluegill, sunfish, perch, bullhead and crappie.

Panfish provide a widely available source of sustainable protein that is rather accessible for the average joe/jane. High protein, low calories and an excellent source of B vitamins. Personally, panfish provide Omega 3s that I don't get in my diet as often as I'd like.

Panfish are recommended to be fished with ultralight/light fishing gear up to 6-8lb line. Panfish are great beginner friendly fish to target as a variety of lures/hooks can be utilized to catch them. Panfish are generally readily available in numerous different locations. Panfish are considered a safe fish to consume due to their lower position on the food chain.

I have heard it mentioned that it is 'best' let the big panfish go so that they may spawn in the future and keep the medium size ones for consumption.



Target hook size: 4,6,8,10
Target jig size: 1/16 oz.,1/32 oz. and 1/64 oz.
Common Bait: Nightcrawlers, corn, bread, mealworms, crickets, waxworms
Potential Fishing Zones: Areas with cover (docks/vegetation), Shallow waters

One of my favorite panfish of all time has to be Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

Yellow Perch Diagram

Yellow Perch are delicious. Firm and flakey, the flesh is not fishy at all. It is a mild fish with an almost sweet taste. I've heard people compare perch to tilapia but I take that as an insult . I have fond memories of pan fried battered perch at my grandparent's house growing up. Perch takes marinades/spices really well so its an excellent canvas for trying out different tastes. The last world record for Yellow Perch weighed 4lbs 3 ozs in 1865.

Yellow Perch Range

Yellow Perch are observed to have a schooling habit. They will travel in groups of 50+. Yellow Perch are not a fast swimmer so the schooling habit provides protection from predators.

Target hook size: #4-#6
Target jig size: 1/16 oz.,1/32 oz. and 1/64 oz.
Common Bait: Nightcrawlers, mealworms, crickets, waxworms
Potential Fishing Zones: Areas with hard cover or vegetation in moderately deep waters. Perch can be found in areas of sand/gravel substate.

Another type of popular panfish are known as Crappie.

Black and White Crappie

Crappie are part of the sunfish family and are a popular fish found in freshwater. Crappie have a soft, flaky and is described as delicate. Crappie are observed to have a schooling habit and spawn in the spring

Crappie Range

Target hook size: #2-#8
Target jig size: 1/16 oz - 1/8 oz
Common Bait: Minnows
Potential Fishing Zones: Areas with hard cover or vegetation in shallow waters.

I think here in Texas we think of perch as pan-fish though that is a new term to me.

I fished a lot with my dad as a kid, mostly perch and sunfish.

Then with dear hubby though mostly large mouth bass.

I went to school to learn to fish better with the Texas B.A.S.S. Association...