How To: Fish a two-hook panfish rig for deep-dwelling fish

The two-hook panfish rig is meant for vertical fishing under the boat in fairly deep water, for deep-dwelling fish like crappie, catfish, bluegills, and sometimes even bass. It involves two hooks hanging off the line, off droppers, to fish close to the bottom. Watch and learn as Wade Bourne of MyOutdoorTV shows you how to fish a two-hook panfish rig.

The two-hook panfish rig is primarily meant for catching crappie, catfish and other species that dwell near the bottom in deeper water. This is a rig for vertical fishing - straight under the boat. Here is how to assemble a two-hook panfish rig:

- Use stout monofilament line – 17-25 lb. test. By using strong line you can bend hooks out and dislodge hang-ups without breaking the rig off.

- Tie a heavy bell sinker (3/4-1 ½ ounce) on the end of the line. Use a lighter sinker in shallower water or when the wind is light. Use a heavier sinker in deeper water or when the wind is strong.

- Use a surgeon's loop knot (refer to the MOTV video knot library) to tie a 3-inch loop 8 inches above the sinker. Tie another 3-inch loop 18 inches above the first loop.

- Add #1-2/0 gold panfish hooks to both loops. Double the line, thread through the hook eye, then spread the doubled line open, loop around the hook, and pull the line taut to secure the hook.

- Bait with minnows. Hook through the lips from bottom to top or through the eye sockets, and proceed to fish.