When you think about eating fish what often comes to mind? Salmon, Swordfish, Cod, Crab or even Walleye I am sure. Other than the walleye none of those meals are something you can easily catch right here in Fenton! Imagine spending less that $50.00 in equipment and being able to put multiple meals on your familes table for years to come. The pan fish is what makes all this possible.
It is no secret that our area has an abundance of rivers, lakes and even ponds. Pan fish are swarming in all these places just waiting for your juicy worm offering. Even if you do not live on the water, there are many public fishing places available but more about that later.
The pan fish I am speaking about are Bluegill, Sun Fish, Perch and Crappie (or Croppie depending on who you ask.) I am willing to bet that if you have ever caught a fish, then I guarantee you have caught a pan fish. Pan fish are abundant, easy to catch, easy to clean and best of all - They are the best fish to eat in Michigan!
Any rod and real can be used. However I suggest a shorter (under 7 ft) ultra light rod with 4 lbs test line. With this set up every fish will feel huge and the big ones will feel like monsters. Bait is just as easy. Pan fish can be landed on the worms from your garden, night crawlers, artificial lures and my personal favorite wax worms which are actually honey bee larvae and are much easier and cleaner than normal worms. A hook and bobber complete the set up and you are fishing.
A fishing license for a Michigan resident is $15.00. A limit of 25 a day in Michigan with no size limit is not hard to fill. 25 Fish provide you with 50 fillets and can feed a family of 4. Pan fish fillets and french fries, I am getting hungry typing this. Now where to go? If you have a boat then any body of water holds our tasty targets, launch and find a spot along a weed line in water under 8ft deep. If you do not have a boat do not worry! Here is a list of places that have great fishing from the shore.
The
The Linden Mill Pond
Fenton's Strom and O'Donnel parks
The Ripley Road bridge over the Shiawassee river
Seven Lakes State Park has multiple fishing piers
Pan fishing is the perfect opportunity to get out fishing and enjoying Michigan's wild. Even if you practice catch and release it is a great place to be. Lastly, do you want to watch a child smile? Get a 5 inch sunfish on the other end of their Barbie or Snoopy pole and get the camera ready.
For the price, small equipment investment and overall table fare there is no better fishing in Michigan. So get off your couch and into Michigan's woods and waters.
Outdoors, its a wild place to be.
