Where's the panfish?(gills, redears etc.)

[bret]

Some of my spots are holding true to "first ice" while many aren't.  We are finding fish 8-12 fow but not very many fish.  (We have found some as deep as 20')  What depth of water are you finding your gills?  Are they holding near weeds?  Just tired of being out all day for 10 keeper fish!  Thanks

[shortyonice]

I've been finding my gills in 20 foot of water...Sandy bottom, near a dropoff, near a point..Aquacam showed the sandy bottom. They have been hitting better right before dark until an hour or so after. Haven't been able to get out in the mornings so not sure how that bite is. seems to be a tough bite this year!

[bret]

Thanks Shortyonice,  Are you getting bigger fish in these areas?  How about quantity?  I'm fishing Kosciusko Co. lakes.

[AlgaeKilla]

I just wrote a a big long thing here and apparently didn't hit post. Rather than typing it all over again I'll jsut say this. Ideal mid winter spot is a soft (muck with weeds) to hard bottom (sand or gravel) transition area. Usually, the first major drop off adjacent to a large flat. Depth is relative to the basin depth. If its near the mouth of a bay all the better. Any inside turns or pockets in this area will collect panfish and predators. With the snow cover these mid winter areas should start producing. I've been fishing several pits and ponds down here and its been tough. The only body of water I've figured out is my 1.5 acre pond. Only ten keepers a day . Your doing better than I am. I know the size of you "keepers". As my Jamaican buddies would say "Give thanks, mon" at least we finally made it out there. See ya this weekend, dude.

[bret]

Thanks.  You coming up Friday?

[AlgaeKilla]

Yep, bright and early again.

[rico]

bret, 10 keepers a day...I got a solution for you...LEARN HOW TO CLEAN SMALLER FISH!!!!  Sorry bud couldnt resist!!!!!!  Fish on!!!!!!!

[bret]

I caught 7 yesterday.  Smallest was 8".  Cleaned them & ate them....myself.  None for the rest of the family!!  Man they were good.