How to Catch Sunfish

Sunfish is a term loosely applied to several types of fish that frequent the freshwater lakes and ponds of North America. Collectively they are also called panfish or brim. Individually, they are referred to as bluegills, crappie or rock bass. Fishing for sunfish can be a great family activity.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing pole
• Monofilament fishing line
• Red and white plastic bobber
• Small single-pointed fishing hook
• Live bait

Instructions

1. Acquire the gear that you need. You can use a light spinning rod with a small spinner or spoon, but to really enjoy catching sunfish, you should do it the old fashioned way and acquire a cane pole and some fishing line. Any type of pole will work: even a small and straight tree branch. The pole should be about 8 feet long.

2. Find a body of freshwater. Small ponds are the best location. A shallow pond with a nice rate of water flow is the ideal place to fish. Make sure the pond is there year round and not too small. Other possible locations are small lakes and reservoirs. Search for a sunny spot with a very clear and clean shoreline.

3. Tie 20 feet of single strand monofilament fishing line to the end of your pole. You can use a clove hitch and finish it off with a fisherman’s knot. Tie a hook on the end and place a red and white bobber several feet above the hook. This will determine the depth of your bait. You can set the depth anywhere from one to 10 feet. Most fishing for sunfish is done at less than 10 feet.

4. Find bait. You can buy nightcrawlers from a tackle store or search for bait along the shore of your favorite fishing spot. Most fishermen prefer to acquire their bait beforehand.

5. Attach your bait to the hook and cast it as far away from shore as possible. Use a small barbed single hook.

6. Watch the bobber. When it dips beneath the surface of the water, quickly jerk the tip of your fishing pole toward the shore to set the hook. Raise your pole out of the water and drop your fish up on the shore.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not fish close together and be careful with rod tips. Don’t forget that there is a sharp hook on the other end of the pole.