Panfishing Northern WI

Question
Hi Marc - My Dad's been fishing the same lake in Northern Wisconsin for the better part of 40 years and never catches them the way he "used to". What can I suggest to help him catch a few more fish this year. What's the setup he needs to use instead to increase his catch of keeper panfish or the bass I know are all over his lake. What should he use for lures or bait, size hooks, etc? What should I tell him to look for in spots to try? Thanks

Answer
Hey Tom....

First I would recommend a lake like Little St.Germain.  Good water!

He may never catch them like he used to.  Fisheries change... without a doubt.  More pressure, water clarities have changed, the overall biomass is different on many lakes.

For bigger panfish, get out of the shallows.  Deeper weed edges are the place to be for the bigger fish.  The shallows are full of juveniles.  

For Perch and Crappies, go with the crappie minnows.  For gills, waxworms or panfish leeches.  Keep it simple.  A #6 or #8 gold hook and a small split shot about 8-10" above the hook.  NO other terminal tackle on the line. Four pound test maximum.  Move around and drift till you find them, THEN anchor.  

For Bass, wacky worms, without a doubt my first choice.  Fish them around docks, weeds and deep weed lines.  Or, to cover water, a 3/8th ounce spinnerbait, a Deep T-Stick Jr., or #7 Shad Rap.  

If he does that he will catch fish!

Marc