Panfish bite is still going strong

The fishing on the Mississippi backwaters in pools 4&5 is still great! I went fishing with Ron (RHW) yesterday and although the temperature was cold, the fishing was hot. We had no problem getting a meal of nice gills, and did catch & release of well over 100 others. The best bait seems to be small hair jigs tipped with a wax worm. Best color is an orange head with yellow hair. We suspend these small jigs about 2 ft. under a bobber and then work them in short jerks allowing them to settle before another short jerk.

If you want to get a good meal and have lots of fun doing it, now is the time to get in on some of the best fishing to be had all year!

Good Fishing,
Mike

Yep, Mike is right, it was fast and furious. Several large ones, including a 9. 8’s were very common and tons of 7’s. They insisted on meat though, had to tip with waxies. On some casts, the bobber didn’t even settle but kept diving straight down. Yeah, the wind was down right cold and frozen hands are tough to fish with, but once warmed up, it was a blast.
Mike pretty much covered the technique, so get out there and enjoy.

Were you guys fishing from shore or boat? Sounds like alot of fun and that the fall bite is kicking in for alot of species.
Thanks, Bill

We have been doing both. It just depends on the area, but many areas are able to be fished just fine from shore.

Good Fishing,
Mike