The Best Fish for Beginning Anglers: What to Target and Why

A very similar presentation is used when ice fishing for panfish. One key difference to maximize sensitivity on cold, sluggish fish is to use a slip float, and beginners can choose a bobber stop or a toothpick to “peg” the float at a certain depth. On the terminal end, ice anglers often tie one or more tiny ice jigs to catch fish. Using multiple jigs enables anglers to cover more of the water column and pinpoint what depth fish may be holding. After dropping the line through a hole in the ice, anglers should lift the bait periodically to add action and attract fish. When a fish pulls the float to the bottom of the hole, anglers should lift the rod up sharply to set the hook and keep the line tight while reeling. Fish can dislodge tiny ice hooks if they strike the bottom of the ice, so it's crucial that anglers lift them straight up and out of the hole to avoid losing fish.

If fish aren’t biting on jigs alone, anglers can spice them up by adding a piece of bait to the hook. Live bait such as nightcrawlers, red worms, leeches, wax worms, spikes, and minnows are best in most situations, but they can be a hassle to purchase and keep alive. Commercially prepared baits such as crappie nibbles and flavored soft plastics are another option, and they’re often reusable and packed in sealed jars and bags. Both options can be used to add bulk, scent, and flavor to increase bites. Adding bait to jigs can also increase the size of the fish being caught (“...big bait, big fish!”). This one-two punch can often save the day when the bite is slow.

Catfish are another excellent fish for beginning anglers to pursue. Although they’re not usually found in the same numbers as panfish, they do frequent the same areas, and large catfish actually feed on bluegills and crappies! As a result, anglers fishing for panfish can easily switch tactics to catfish in the same spot, or even fish for them in parallel with a second rod.  

Because catfish are predominantly bottom feeders, beginning anglers should switch to a slip sinker rig to maximize bites. This rig is simple to tie and only requires three components- sinker, swivel, and hook. Moreover, bait selection couldn’t be easier. Simply thread two or three whole nightcrawlers or minnows on the hook and the rig is ready to go. To catch bigger catfish and avoid bait stealing rough fish, anglers should use whole or cut panfish for bait. However, always make sure to follow local fishing regulations when using panfish for bait.  

After the hook is baited, simply cast it out and let the sinker take it to the bottom of the water. You’ll know the bait has reached the bottom when the line goes slack, and at this point anglers should crank the reel until the line is tight. Doing so will ensure that folks can see when a catfish bites, indicated by a tug on the line and twitch of the rod tip. For convenience, it's always a good idea to use rod holders when fishing for catfish on the bottom. Doing so lets you position the rod at an ideal 45 degree angle to see strikes and keeps monster catfish from stealing your rod.  

To improve the odds of hooking catfish, anglers should wait until there is a steady pull on the line. When a bite is indicated, pick up the rod after the first few taps and place your index finger against the bottom of the line, in front of the reel. This will help you feel the fish on the other end, and when it takes the bait completely and runs you will know it. When using circle hooks like the Whisker Seeker Triple Threat, it's important that anglers let the hook do the work. Rather than physically setting the hook when a steady pull on the line is felt, turn the reel a few cranks to tighten the line and simply lift the rod. When the fish reaches the end of the slack, the hook is designed to hook the fish automatically. In contrast, if anglers are using traditional j-style hooks like the Whisker Seeker Offset Super-J, they should point the rod at the fish until the line is tight and sweep the rod back sharply to set the hook. In either case, when an angler who is new to catfishing hooks a cat for the first time, it’s a moment they won’t forget!

The best way to introduce beginning anglers to fishing is to take them somewhere they can catch a lot of fish. Panfish are plentiful throughout the country, eagerly bite simple presentations, and gregariously school in large numbers. Under the right conditions anglers can catch a fish every cast, and dozens can be caught in a very short time. In these circumstances the only thing to worry about is whether you have enough bait! After they’ve cut their teeth on panfish, the natural progression is for anglers to level up to bigger and badder fish. Catfish inhabit the same areas as panfish and can be caught with simple tactics using common panfish baits. Most importantly, catfish can grow to tremendous size, and trophy-sized fish are common in most panfish waters. The first time a beginner catches a 5 pound catfish, they may never want to fish for bluegills or crappies again.