Quick panfish trip

[oxyeleotris]

Yesterday my wife and I stumbled upon on old rail bed along an overlook that parallels a river in the city I live in. Decided to go back this morning with an UL and see if the panfish were in a cooperative mood.

Ended up with a quick dozen in the 90 minutes I spent at the mouth of a brook which empties into the river. All fish caught on Northland Impulse Tapeworms drifted under a Trout Magnet unweighted foam slip float.



As a bonus, most were redbreast sunfish. I think the redbreast is one of the most beautiful fish that swims. This river is the only place on my end of the state where I have caught redbreast. The state's last record of redbreast in this river is from 1859 (and collection point was only about 1000 ft from my house)!

[Drew03cmc]

Sounds like a good day. May there be many more!

[bassbandit]

Pretty fish. I'm jealous.

[gillchaser]

Those little hideaway spots are great getaways . Fun afternoon for sure . Gillchaser

[Smead]

Definitely cool to come across a nice secret spot!!

[FishEastCarolina]

What model rod is that?

[uljersey]

What model rod is that?

It appears to be a Norseman ESP - http://esp.norsemenoutdoors.com/

[oxyeleotris]

Yes, uljersey is correct. It is an ESP 5' microlight. Far from the most expensive rod I own, but I absolutely love it. I find it unusual in that it is a much faster action than the majority of rods in it's class - it is not a noodle at all. It also has a very surprising amount of backbone for something so light and seemingly delicate.

I also have their 6'6" 'power lite' which I use for slinging inline spinners for smallmouth in my local river. It's fine, but the microlight is something special!

If I were to complain about anything, it would be the choice of guides....and I don't buy into the sensitivity claims. But the balance and the action! Just a perfect fit for my use.