Although using a hook, worm, and bobber brings back fond childhood memories for most, landing crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and perch on artificial baits offers up the most thrills and fun. Here’s how to get in on the action using a budget panfish box.
Jig heads are an integral part of any panfish set-up. There’s no need to get fancy — a selection of 1/32 oz and 1/16 oz jigs in shades of white, chartreuse, or pink does the trick and keeps things simple. A worm collar is invaluable for keeping plastics pegged.
Top picks: VMC Moon Eye Jig, Northland Tungsten Crappie King Jig, Kalin’s Triple Threat Crappie Jig
Narrowing down which plastic baits to pair with a jig shouldn’t be complicated. Get three body styles — shad, tube, and nymph or creature — and let the fish dictate what they prefer.
Choose baits from one- to 2.5 inches in length, scaling down for bluegill or sunfish and throwing larger lures for crappie or perch. A 1.5-inch bait is the perfect size for any panfish species.
Go with bright and natural hues, such as char-treuse, orange, pink, brown, and white.
Top picks: Lunkerhunt Water Bug, Mister Twister Vie Minnow, Mizmo Panfish Tube
Mini crankbaits cover water and trigger reaction bites. Pick shad or minnow-style baits between 1.5 and 2 inches in length. Since panfish can be found throughout the water column, I like to have a shallow diver (zero to one-foot), medium (two to four feet) and deeper diver (six-plus feet) on hand.
Crankbaits can be twitched on the surface or slowly reeled deeper to pick off hungry fish.
Top picks: Lucky Strike Panfish Plug, Rapala Ultra-Light Minnow, Rebel Crickhopper
You'll need a float to hang your jig under. If fishing skinny water, a spring float (secured in place) gets the nod. For water three feet or deeper, go with a slip float. A pencil style is the preferred for calm waters. If waves are present or your offering is on the heavier side, go with an oval style.
Top picks: Thill Pro Series Slip Float, Thill A.F. Oval Spring Float
For slip floats, rigging up a bobber stop and bead is a necessity.
When working a jig with a float, two or three small split shot — evenly spaced between the jighead and bobber — helps get your plastic offering down quickly while keeping your float standing straight.
Jigs: 3 packs, $7 each
Baits: 4 packs, $6 each
Crankbaits: 3, $10 each
Floats: 2, $5 each
Bobber stops: 1 pack, $10
Split shot: 1 pack,$5
= $100 Total
Originally published in the Summer Bassin' 2026 issue of Ontario Out of Doors magazine
