what time of the year here in Eastern Pennsylvania. I've taken my grandsons a couple times starting in March. Guess water temp was still too cold. I'd like to take them when there is a good chance they will catch some fish. Otherwise I am afraid they will lose interest in it, and I will lose my fishing buddies.

Would like to take them again this Saturday, but...???

Thanks.

perch are other panfish are active and moving before the ice melts... if you weren't catching panfish, it's because you weren't in the right area, or were doing something wrong. They're not like bass and some other fish that don't move much when it's cold, they're pretty active, and start to spawn very soon after ice out. And, that happens to be the best possible time in my opinion. I've been catching them near every cast, starting just after ice out.  In my lakes, we find them everywhere from just a few inches of water, to structure in 10-15+ ft.

Simple, just load them up in your car and drive them to Atlanta. I honestly can't tell you how many I caught the other day on a 5wt fly rod and a Bett's Trim Gim in yellow. If they didn't hit it within 2 or 3 seconds of it hitting the water, I'd just cast to a different spot.

I was using a foam popper at first, but the nasty little buggers ate one of the eyes off of it and two of the three "legs". ;D

I should have mentioned a couple things.  One, I don't have a boat.  Two, the lake is new to me.

So we will go Saturday and see what we will see.  Hopefully we'll have better luck.

I have them bobber fishing with worms.  Both are just starting out.  Neither will handle the worms...yet.   ;D

I'd love to bring them to Atlanta! I know they would love it too.  I like flyfishing, but think my 8 wt. bass rod might be a tad too much.   

Been thinking of picking up a 4 wt rod for local stream trout.  Of course, it would also be great for panfish.

I appreciate the information.  At least now I know the only reason we aren't catching anything is one of 3 things.  Location, location and location.   

BTW, nice sunny!

In eastern Pa, I used to go for pan fish in creeks when the Lilacs were blooming. That was the start of good fishing.

Being new to lake fishing, I'm surprised that Sunnies have their nose turned up at baits a week or 2 past the lilac bloom. Could be lake spawn is later. I do know they won't bite when on a nest.

In eastern Pa, I used to go for pan fish in creeks when the Lilacs were blooming. That was the start of good fishing.

Being new to lake fishing, I'm surprised that Sunnies have their nose turned up at baits a week or 2 past the lilac bloom. Could be lake spawn is later. I do know they won't bite when on a nest.

Took my grandsons fishing last weekend. First fish caught was a trout. You should have heard the screams from the boys and my wife. All panfish after that, but not anywhere near the numbers I am use to catching.

Caught my fist fish on baitcasting equipment. A baby Rock Bass hit my crankbait just as I was lifting it out of the water. Wasn't much bigger than the lure. ;D ;D Not much of a fight either. LOL. :D ;D ;D : :