getting back into pan fishing

[Cody]

alright so i use to go pan fishing every day with my dad but 6 years ago my dad had Thyroid   cancer and i haven't been able to go. well hes feeling better and i was wondering if someone could help me i use to only use a hook and bobber needless to say i don't catch many fish so i was wondering if anyone could help me out by saying how to pan fish in the spring and what to use? thank you 

[BRIAN S. BEHE, SR.]

if you lived near me, laplata , md , we could go often,,,,if yo u live in nc area, suggest you check with jeff abney,,,,he is an excellent source for info,,,,also, most of the members will be more than happy to assist you

[Joe Angelucci]

Glad to hear your Dad's better. I saw in your status update that you use a thrill float and a #8 hook with a worm. Truth is that rig is pretty successful for most fishing. I fish about the same type rig with a 9 foot Mr Crappie pole, #10 Aberdeen hook  with 2 # test. Difference is that I use a Trout Magnet EZ float for a bite indicator.This rig is useful for bank fishing. I use this from early spring to about the start of winter in the North East. My secret weapon for bait is a simple hot dog. 

This site has many experienced anglers and all can help. Just need you to provide an idea of the type of fishing ( boat or bank) and type of equipment ( pole , rod and reel , fly). Based on your style, people will be able to help with recommendations.

[dick tabbert]

Well Cody there is lots depending on when and were your going to fish. Before we attempt and answer I want to say glad your Dad is better I know what cancer can do to you physically and mentally and my thoughts and prayers are with him for continued improvement. Cody are you fishing a boat or from shore. First I guess since you have grass shrimp your in the southern states. Using live bait and know there are more knowledgeable people at BBG on the subject than I. I use jigs but at home the grand kids use live bait. I'll set up a pole for them. first thing I tie on is a small or medium slip float with a small split shot enough to stand up the float. Then we tie the hook on #6 or an #8. Now that the pole is ready we have to find a place to fish. When I jig fish I always find weeds of some sort and lily pads in 8 to 10 ft of water being the best for me. Adjust float accordingly just above the weeds. Bait up with your live bait cast out and wait. If the bite doesn't come reel in slowly they may want a slow moving presentation and the cooler the water the slower the retrieve.  Now when the gills get on the beds never cast in the center and spook them. Cast way to the edge and always cast past the beds and slowly reel your bait to them. As you take out the fish on the ends cast past the next bedding gills and proceed slowly as you did before. Once you spook the fish there is a good chance your done on that bed. Cody hope this helps you I know you will get more people to comment most people here try to help out as much as possible.

[Dwayne Denison]

Bobbers( floats) and hook have caught a lot of fish. Maybe float and hooks are to big. Lots of info on here about bobber fishing. Also, glad to hear your Dad is better and welcome back to panfishing. Might help to post pic of your setup,

[Cody]

i usually fish on lake winnabago or smaller lakes