Best Ice Fishing Lures For Panfish 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Even if you’re not a hunter, there’s a good chance you know someone who is. And, chances are, they ice fish for panfish in the winter. Ice fishing for panfish can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Knowing which lures to use is key to success when ice fishing for panfish

Best Ice Fishing Lures For Panfish Review

If you want to get them the best gift this year, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated ice fishing lures for panfish. Whether your loved one prefers jigs, live bait or plugs, we’ve got something for everyone on this list. So read on and find the perfect gift for the fisherman in your life!

1# JB Lures Ice’N Jigs Panfish Kit

JB Lures Ice'N Jigs Panfish Kit

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Specification

Color: Assorted Colors
Size: 8

Looking to up your ice-fishing game? The JB Lures Ice’N Jigs Panfish Kit has everything you need to attract bluegill, crappie, and perch like a pro! This premium assortment includes 8 different styles of jigs, all in the #8 size, and all featuring an eye-catching glow finish. The kit contains 1 each of the following: Spider, Ant, Glitter-Glow, Lunar Grub, Charmer, Hot-Head, Micro-Weasel, and Gem-n-Eye. So whether you’re looking to attract fish with a little sparkle or something more naturalistic, this kit has you covered.

Pros
  • The jig heads are sharp and well-made

  • The hooks are also sharp and of good quality

  • There is a good variety of colours to choose from

  • The kit comes with a carrying case

Cons
  • Not found

2# JB Lures Panfish Ice-Fishing Kit

JB Lures Panfish Ice-Fishing Kit

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Specification

Color: Assorted Colors

Do you want to add some excitement to your ice fishing this winter? Then you need the JB Lures Panfish Ice-Fishing Kit! This essential kit contains 8 of JB Lure’s most popular ice-fishing jigs, perfect for targeting bluegill, perch, and other panfish. The light dances near the bottom are sure to provoke strikes from even the wariest fish. The differing swimming actions and glowing paint jobs of these lures are sure to entice any fish in the area. So don’t miss out on the action this winter, get your JB Lures Panfish Ice-Fishing Kit today!

Pros
  • This Kit includes everything you need to get started ice fishing for panfish.

  • The light dances near the bottom are sure to provoke strikes from even the weariest fish

  • The differing swimming actions and glowing paint jobs of these lures are sure to entice any fish in the area

Cons
  • It does not include a storage case

3# Chompers Skirted Football Jigs

Chompers Skirted Football Jigs

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Specification

Weight: 1/4 oz., 5/8 oz., 3/4 oz., 1/2 oz., 3/8 oz.

If you are looking for an effective jig that will help you catch more fish, check our Chompers Skirted Football Jigs. These jigs feature football-shaped heads that help them bounce along the bottom without rolling or snagging. A sharp VMC Hook forms the business end of these popular and productive jigs, and finely detailed skirts seductively undulate provoking strikes. Plus, they’re great when fished along or paired with a plastic trailer. So why wait? Get your hands on Chompers Skirted Football Jigs today and see how they can help you put more fish in the boat!

Pros
  • The football-shaped heads help them bounce along the bottom without rolling or snagging

  • A sharp VMC Hook forms the business end of these popular and productive jigs

  • Finely detailed skirts seductively undulate provoking strikes

Cons
  • They don’t always swim the way you want them to

4# Z-Man ChatterBait Freedom Jig

Z-Man ChatterBait Freedom Jig

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Specification

Weight: 1/2 oz., 3/8 oz.
Hook Size: 5/0

Z-Man ChatterBait Freedom Jig is a versatile, deadly jig that will help you put more fish in the boat. This unique jig features patented flash blade technology that creates an incredible amount of skirt action, making it irresistible to fish. With an advanced interchangeable hook design, you can customize your bait for any situation, whether you’re fishing in heavy weeds or open water. The stainless steel ChatterBlade is extra strong and has a quick clip line tie, while the premium silicone skirt provides lifelike movement that drives fish crazy. So give the Z-Man ChatterBait Freedom Jig a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Pros
  • Versatile

  • Patented flash blade technology

  • Interchangeable hook design

  • Quick-clip line tie

Cons
  • Too flashy

  • May not be as deadly in certain situations

5# Bass Pro Shops Enticer Pro Series Rattling Jig

Bass Pro Shops Enticer Pro Rattling Jig

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Specification

Weight: 1/4 oz., 3/4 oz., 1/2 oz., 3/8 oz.
Hook Size: 3/0, 4/0

Catch more bass with the Bass Pro Shops® Enticer Pro Series Rattling Jig! This rattling bass jig has a thick 40-strand skirt, chip-resistant head, and a loud barrel rattle chamber. The weedless design is perfect for fishing heavy cover, while the lively skirt will help you bring in more fish. Best of all, the chip-resistant head ensures that your jig will last trip after trip.

Pros
  • Thicker 40-strand skirt

  • Chip-resistant head

  • Loud barrel rattle chamber

  • Weedless design

Cons
  • This Jig may not provide enough motion and vibration to attract fish.

6# Yakima Bait Twitcher Jig

Yakima Bait Twitcher Jig

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Specification

Weight: 3/4 oz., 1/2 oz., 3/8 oz.
Hook Size: 4/0

The Yakima Bait Twitcher Jig is the perfect lure for catching coho salmon. It is designed with help from fishing guides and industry pros to be a killer lure. The weighted bullet/darter head ensures that it casts far and sinks fast. The dressed-up rabbit fur and silicone tentacle body are irresistible to fish, while the reflective tinsel and powder-coated paint job make it visible even in dark waters. The sharp, strong Gamakatsu hook ensures that you’ll always land your catch.

Pros
  • Casts far and sinks fast

  • Dressed up rabbit fur and silicone tentacle body are irresistible to fish

  • Reflective tinsel and powder-coated paint job make it visible even in dark waters

  • Sharp, strong Gamakatsu hook ensures that you’ll always land your catch

Cons
  • Sink rate is a little bit slower than other lures

  • Some people have had trouble with the hook coming loose

7# Northland Mimic Minnow Shad

Northland Mimic Minnow Shad

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Specification

Length: 2-1/8″, 2-1/2″, 2-3/4″
Weight: 1/4 oz., 1/8 oz., 3/8 oz.
Hook Size: 1, 2/0, 3/0

The Northland Mimic Minnow Shad is an irresistibly tempting jig-and-soft-plastic bait that’s sure to attract fish from near and far. The holographic Baitfish-Image shad-shaped body looks incredibly realistic and is coloured to perfectly mimic forage fish. The highly reflective FlashFoil gives off an iridescent shimmer that is sure to get the attention of any fish in the area. And the realistic eyes add an extra touch of realism that is sure to tempt even the wariest fish. So whether you’re fishing for bass, walleye, pike, or panfish, the Northland Mimic Minnow Shad is sure to give you the results you’re looking for.

Pros
  • The holographic Baitfish-Image shad-shaped body looks incredibly realistic and is coloured to perfectly mimic forage fish.

  • The highly reflective FlashFoil gives off an iridescent shimmer that is sure to get the attention of any fish in the area.

  • The realistic eyes add an extra touch of realism that is sure to tempt even the wariest fish.

Cons
  • None found

8# STORM 360º GT Searchbait

STORM 360º GT Searchbait

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Specification

Length: 2-1/2″
Weight: 3/32 oz.
Hook Size: 2

STORM 360º GT Searchbait is an incredibly realistic swimbait that can be worked at all speeds! This soft plastic bait is fitted with 3D holographic eyes that give it a completely natural appearance in the water. It also features a balanced swim and seamless design between the head and tail, making it irresistible to fish. Plus, the pre-formed weighted jighead ensures incredible action at all retrieval speeds. And for perfect hook placement, it comes with a custom VMC hook with a 60º extended eye.

Pros
  • The lure creates a realistic swimming action that mimics an injured baitfish.

  • The Storm 360 GT Searchbait is easy to use, making it great for novice anglers.

  • It can be fished in a variety of ways, giving you plenty of options when targeting fish.

  • The lure is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.

Cons
  • It is not as effective for catching larger fish.

  • The lure can be difficult to cast, particularly in windy conditions.

9# Lindy Fuzz-E-Grub Jig

Lindy Fuzz-E-Grub Jig

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Specification

Weight: 1/4 oz., 1/8 oz.
Hook Size: 2

The Lindy Fuzz-E-Grub Jig is one of the deadliest walleye jigs ever. It features a classic round jighead with painted eyes, a ribbed soft plastic upper body, and a live-action, breathing marabou tail. The flash strands add extra appeal. You can fish it alone or with live bait for even more success.

Pros
  • Quality construction

  • Deadly on walleye

  • Features a classic round jighead

  • Painted eyes for extra appeal

  • Ribbed soft plastic upper body

  • Live-action, breathing marabou tail

Cons
  • The jig is too light and small for bigger fish

  • The hook could be sharper

  • The paint job is not very durable

10# VMC Bucktail Jig

VMC Bucktail Jig

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Specification

Weight: 1/4 oz., 1/8 oz., 3/4 oz., 1 oz., 3/8 oz.
Hook Size: 2

Introducing the VMC Bucktail Jig – the perfect lure for serious anglers! Tied with a premium natural bucktail, it holds its shape and offers a meaty profile. Integrated tinsel fibres give it an extra flash of colour, while the lifelike oval head design and 3D holographic eyes make it irresistible to fish. Plus, it comes equipped with a Hi Carbon Steel Needle Point hook for quick and easy penetration. Get ready to haul in some big ones with the VMC Bucktail Jig!

Pros
  • Durable

  • Effective

  • Affordable

Cons
  • Heavier than other lures

11# Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig

Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig

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Specification

Length: 3″
Weight: 1/4 oz.
Hook Size: 2

Looking for an easy and effective way to target finicky bass? Then check out the Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig. This powerful little jig comes pre-rigged and ready to fish, with a 1/4 oz. jighead that’s just the right weight for casting and getting your bait down to the bottom. The Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig is ideal for many freshwater gamefish and panfish species and comes with 1 worm pre-rigged on a weedless mushroom head jig, plus 2 more spares. So get out there and try the Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig today – it’s sure to put a bend in your rod!

Pros
  • It is weedless so it can be fished in a cover without getting hung up.

  • The jig has a small, streamlined profile that makes it easy to fish through the water.

  • It comes with a high-quality Gamakatsu hook that provides good hookups.

  • It is available in several colours, making it easy to match the colour of your bait to the conditions you’re fishing in.

Cons
  • The jighead is a bit too heavy for finesse fishing.

  • Some users have had trouble with the hook popping out of the bait.

12# Musky Innovations Bull Dawg

Musky Innovations Bull Dawg

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Specification

Length: 6″, 9″, 12″
Weight: 4.5 oz., 8 oz., 1.2 oz.
Hook Size: 3/0, 7/0, 1/0

Check out the Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig. This powerful little jig comes pre-rigged and ready to fish, with a 1/4 oz. jighead that’s just the right weight for casting and getting your bait down to the bottom. The Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig is ideal for many freshwater gamefish and panfish species and comes with 1 worm pre-rigged on a weedless mushroom head jig, plus 2 more spares. So get out there and try the Lunkerhunt Finesse Worm Jig today – it’s sure to put a bend in your rod!

Pros
  • The Bull Dawg is available in a variety of colours, allowing you to match the bait to the fish’s environment

  • The unique design of the Musky Innovations Bull Dawg causes it to “wiggle” and “jerk” when you retrieve it, making it irresistible to panfish

Cons
  • It is loud

13# Blue Fox Flash Spinner

Blue Fox Flash Spinner

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Specification

Weight: 1/8 oz., 3/16 oz.
3D eyes

This Blue Fox Flash Spinner is a high-quality product that will help you catch more fish! The stamped brass blade spins freely at 5′ or deeper, and the stainless steel wire shaft ensures durability. Plus, the chrome-plated diecast body looks great and provides a holographic laser finish with 3D eyes that grabs attention. The dressed tail with flashabou fibres is also sure to attract fish, and the quality VMC treble hook ensures a good grip.

Pros
  • Versatile

  • Durable

  • Effective

Cons
  • The spinner is not painted making it difficult to see in dark or stained water

14# Rebel Big Craw

Rebel Big Craw

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Specification

Length: 2-5/8″
Weight: 7/16 oz.
Hook Size: 4

The Rebel Big Craw is a durable and consistent fish catcher that has been known to bring in limits for the next 3 decades! Its lifelike fleeing crawfish profile and distinct, pulsating action will have you reeling them in one after the other. Plus, its durable finish and quality components make it a wise investment for any angler.

Pros
  • Durable and consistent fish catcher

  • Lifelike fleeing crawfish profile

  • Distinct, pulsating action

  • Reels them in one after the other

  • Durable finish

  • Quality components

Cons
  • It may be too big for some panfish

FAQ

Do you use lures for ice fishing?
Yes, lures can be very effective for ice fishing. In general, you want to use a lure that is similar in size and colour to the fish you are targeting. You can also try different lures until you find one that the fish seem to be biting on more frequently.
What lures do you use for ice fishing?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best ice fishing lures for panfish will vary depending on the specific type of panfish you are targeting. However, some general tips can help you choose the right lure for the job. First, consider the size and shape of the panfish you are targeting. Some common panfish species include bluegill, sunfish, crappie, and perch. Each of these fish has different shaped mouths and strikes differently, so it is important to use a lure that imitates their natural prey. Second, consider the depth and location of the fish. Panfish often hang out in shallow water near the shoreline.
What kind of lures is good for panfish?
The best ice fishing lures for panfish can vary depending on the type of panfish you are targeting. Some of the most popular lures for panfish include jigs, minnows, and small spoons. It is important to experiment with different lures to see what works best for the specific fish you are targeting.

Conclusion

Ice Fishing can be a very fun and rewarding activity, especially when you’re able to catch panfish. In this article, we’ve listed some of the best ice fishing lures for panfish that are sure to help you land your next big catch!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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