Lake Panasoffkee

Lake Panasoffkee has been famed for excellent bluegill and red-ear sunfish (shellcracker) fishing for many years. Summer is an excellent time to catch panfish on Lake Panasoffkee. FWC biologists have heard several reports of anglers targeting panfish limiting out in a very short period! As the lake is generally very clear, sight fishing is the best way to locate beds. Once beds are located, it is best to anchor just off them so that you don’t spook the fish. Fishing on bottom with a worm works well. Bass fishing on Lake Panasoffkee can be difficult during the hot summer months. Fishing in the eelgrass in open holes with soft plastics usually produces big bass. Fishing in the deepest holes you can find is also a good bet. Local fishermen like to use white- or watermelon-colored baits. The lake is experiencing a recurrence of dense submerged vegetation, so use caution when navigating the lake. Also the lake level is very low. The water at the northern portion of the lake is very clear, while the southern end is still rather dark.