Tough bite pannies

I haven’t been out much on the ice in the last couple of years, but you guys have me all wound up this year!

When I first started using a camera for panfish, I had a couple instances where I could watch them suck in my tear drop with a wax worm attached and then spit it back out. Many times they wouldn’t even take the bait in their mouths, just suck on the wax worm. It was impossible to get a hook set even while watching them on camera.

I dug into my old fly tying box and found some size 18 hooks. Now they are small enough to fit inside half a wax worm. Because the hook was so small, the gill really didn’t have any choice if it was interested at all and sucked it in far enough to get a hook set. Worked swell!

Down side was trying to get 1 lb test line into the hooks eye…I had to tie on tippet material to use that size of a hook.

Anyone down size to about that size of hook and if so, what line do you use to get it through the eye?

I want to be prepared this year!

Personally, I don’t see much reason to go any lighter than 2 lb. The diameter isn’t really that much different between 1 and 2 lb, but the extra thickness of the 2 lb seems to make it a lot easier to handle and tie knots with.

Somebody makes dry fly hooks with oversized eyes….Diiachi maybe? I’ll see if I can find it.

Rootski

With very small jigs and very light line I use a needle threader to assist. they are very cheap and can be found in the sewing section at Walmart. I have also been using the 100% nylon thread from the sewing department on my panfish rods. 300 yards for a buck or two. It acts and fishes just like 2 Lb mono. Make sure you use backing before spooling with the thread. I even use the black stuff. They both work fine and I have experienced no problems that I wouldn’t experience with other light mono fishing line.

Diiachi Hooks

Found it BK!

The one thing that I hve found that works in this situation is to split the waxworm or spike in half and then thread it on to the smallest diamond jig I have. Usually does the trick for me…light line is a MUST in this situation. Also, I have had problems with fish being camera shy in many lakes too too bad for them I can sight fish many of these shallower spots

Every once in a while I use a size 18 silver fiskas and thread a spike on the hook. The hook is super sharp and when they suck it in you will rarely miss a fish. It works awesome when the bite is tough. What I do is take a finger nail clippers along and cut your line at a 45 degree angle. The sharp point is easier to get started. I use 4lb flouro and have never had a problem with threading it or spooking the fish. I also tie a double surgeons loop knot that gives your jig a little extra bounce in its action.

Thanks guys! Root I should have known!

Ok, maybe it’s just me… as this all sounds good in theory; however I’ve struggled with tackle this small.

How the heck do you guys unhook a hook that small out of the mouth of a sunfish?

How do you thread a hook that small with line that’s thinner than my hair, even with a needle threading tool.

I loose dexterity in my hands really fast while ice fishing and my sanity would go next trying to rig that up in the wind and elements.

Anyone ever pre-tie these rigs up to a small barrel swivel or something?

I agree with you on this one Pete. It can be fairly difficult getting the line threaded some times. I usual try to pinch the lure and hunker down if I have to. I’m not saying I’m that slight of hand but I usually get it done after a couple of tries. As for unhooking you’d be suprised how easy it is. Most times the tip of the hook is stuck in the top of their mouths. A quick push downwards and they pop out. Also when you thread a spike on it, it usaully covers the barb and the tip is showing. It takes some patience and some experimentation to get it right. In certain times of the year especially late ice this technique really shines. Dan

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I agree with you on this one Pete. It can be fairly difficult getting the line threaded some times. I usual try to pinch the lure and hunker down if I have to. I’m not saying I’m that slight of hand but I usually get it done after a couple of tries. As for unhooking you’d be suprised how easy it is. Most times the tip of the hook is stuck in the top of their mouths. A quick push downwards and they pop out. Also when you thread a spike on it, it usaully covers the barb and the tip is showing. It takes some patience and some experimentation to get it right. In certain times of the year especially late ice this technique really shines. Dan

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…and all this time I thought I was the only one going THAT small!

Stop by the drug store and get a pair of those clip on maganying lenses. I got the 2.5 X ones. Makes those hooks look like something you can actually tie a line to!