In much of the country, fish such as bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed and other members of the sunfish family are among the first species of freshwater fish that anglers target in Spring. During mild days, sunfish move into the shallows, feeding aggressively in warm water.
To get ready for an early season sunfish trip, anglers have a variety of things to consider. A trip to the local tackle shop is usually necessary, as anglers may need new fishing licenses, fresh line, bait and perhaps a few lures. Fortunately sunfish tackle is affordable and simple to find. A few basic rigs are usually all that are needed.
Most sunfish anglers find that a small selection of jigs and soft plastic bodies to be productive. Jigs in the 1/16 to 1/4 oz. range usually work well, with curly tail bodies in chartreuse, white and motor oil being popular colors. Other soft plastic body styles may be used with size, shape and color varying locally. Traditional crappie jigs are also productive, with a few classic patterns being popular. For an entire season of sunfish fishing, a more extensive selection of lures might be necessary, but in the cool waters of spring, simple jigs are often all that is needed.
Another option for catching sunfish is fly fishing gear. Light outfits work well, using a basic selection of wet and dry flies. As with other fly fishing, mimicing the local food source is usually the best tactic. This technique has several benefits, one being its versatility. When fishing a body of water in Spring with fly fishing gear, not only can anglers catch sunfish, but they may also enjoy catching rainbow trout and other species.
Rather than use artificial lures, many anglers will fish for sunfish with live bait. Common sunfish baits include minnows, nightcrawlers, maggies, grass shrimp and small crawfish. Baits can be fished on a live bait hook under a bobber or on a 2 hook bottom rig. Another popular rig uses a small jig head and bobber in combination with a live minnow.
Weather conditions are important for early season fishing. Depending on factors, fish may suspend in deeper areas or move into shallow flats to feed. In late winter thru early spring, anglers sometimes achieve excellent results if they are able to catch a sunny day with calm or moderate winds. In these conditions, anglers can scout the body of water, looking for areas of flat, shallow water that are exposed to direct sun. Water temperature often rises considerably in these conditions, triggering fish to feed.
Casting jigs is a good way to locate early season sunfish. A slow retrieve, combined with occasional twitches of the rod are known to be effective. Once fish are located, anglers can continue to cast or switch to live baits. If the weather does not cooperate, other tactics may be necessary.
Early Spring weather can be very unpredictable and subject to change at a moment’s notice. Sunny days are not a sure thing and in some areas, rain and even snow are constant problems. Not only does rain and snow hamper immediate fishing, but excessive runoff can shut down fishing for days. Storm water may carry silt and debris which hamper visibility and rising water levels scatter game fish and bait. Anglers can do little but wait in these situations.
At times, anglers may find fish suspended near channel edges, waiting for conditions to improve. When fishing these schools, vertically jigging with crappie jigs, soft plastics or small metal jigs is sometimes effective. As with other situations, a live minnow or other bait may also incite fish to strike if fished at the correct depth.
As the weather cycles thru periods of warm clear days mixed with storms, anglers can switch tactics as necessary, watching for changes in behavior. Eventually warm weather will dominate the season and sunfish will begin the spawning season.
About the Author:
The author writes for several outdoor websites including Freshwater Fishing News, Fishing Charters – Guides and Virginia Saltwater Fishing.
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