Stained Water

[Panfish Guy]

Reading about using plastics for panfish I have a question for the experts (or want to be experts like me ). In our part of the state (SW Minnesota) we have quite a few lakes with murky water. In this situation what do you feel fish use most, the sense of smell or the sense of vibration? I am thinking the sense of sight becomes secondary in these circumstances. Would adding bait be a plus?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Yes and no... a combination of scent and action seem to be key. Plastic can give you much better vibraton than bait can at times.. and believe it or not but fish can see better than you would think in somewhat stained water.

I usually have bait and plastic along on ever trip. If the fish are bitting well I will go with the plastic as you dont have to re rig as much. Keep in mind however that at times it just seems like the ole Eurolarve is needed.

[Matt Johnson]

Blade or flutter jigs would be an excellent choice for your situation. This can add both flash and vibration. Color and appearance won't play as much of a role in those stained lakes, and like you mentioned, using the other characteristics (like vibration, scent, noise..) are going to play a larger role.

Jigs like the Flutter Bug from Maynards and the Fairy Jig from Arnolds are both good options. Also don't be afraid to pound the bottom, as it will stir up the area and call fish in. Also begin your jigging sequences higher in the water column, as I oftentimes find fish relating anywhere from right below the ice to inches off the bottom in stained lakes...

[Panfish Guy]

Thanks for the responses! Thinking about it today I could see the same tactics used on Red Lake as the times I have been there the water has reminded me of some of the lakes back home. For years my go to rods have been a kastmaster search lure with minnow or minnow head on one and a hook and minnow on the other. My brother-in-law started me fishing ratsos and eurolarvae, by outfishing me big time,at Mankato and I have used ratsos around here with limited success. Plan on playing with plastics more this year and right now all i can do is think of goofy questions like this!

But the ice IS COMING!