Lake Panasoffkee

The lake levels are higher than normal this year, although the water is clarity is improving. As we get into this time of year, Black Crappie fishing should start to get hot. In January, anglers have caught Crappie and Spotted Sunfish in Big Jones Creek on the northern end of the lake, and on the SW bank south of Coleman Landing. The last two years on Lake Panasoffkee have been banner years for Black Crappie or “Specks”. Fishing with jigs or minnows under a cork usually works well. Most fishermen drift minnows across the open water submersed grass. Also, Bass fishing should start to get better as the weather gets warmer. Shiners are a popular choice for many anglers. Fishing shiners here would be best under a cork since the lake is shallow and filled with vegetation. If you want to use artificials, locals recommend using weedless soft plastics. Texas rigged worms or swimming Shad type baits would work well. Top water baits are also very popular among the locals. The key for Panasoffkee is to keep moving because there is so much habitat (submersed vegetation) that fish could be just about anywhere. Finding holes in the vegetation can pay off, as fish will often sit in or near these holes. Now that State Bass regulations have changed, there will be many more opportunities to keep smaller Bass, which are in abundance on Lake Panasoffkee. For more information, contact any of the local fish camp staff. They are always willing to point you in the right direction.