Crickets are a preferred bait for catching pan fish, particularly bluegills and other members of the sunfish family. While best fished alive, the squeamish might find it a little unnerving to handle crawling bugs that resemble small grasshoppers. But, crickets do not bite, and on some days, will out-fish worms or minnows. Crickets have a universal appeal to most freshwater fish, so don’t be surprised if you hook a bass, perch or catfish while fishing for sunfish.

Crickets are available at most area tackle shops that sell live minnows. All that’s needed to contain and transport them is a small and inexpensive cricket cage. Surprisingly, a tube of about fifty crickets sells for about $3.50 - about the same price as a carton of red wigglers or night crawlers. Crickets stay lively throughout a day’s fishing as long as they’re kept out of heat and direct sunlight.

Fishing with crickets is simple with a cane pole or a light spinning rod and reel. Six pound test line works fine when tied to a long shank wire hook (#6), add a split-shot weight and a small float. Position the split- shot a few inches above the hook and the float a few feet higher. Add the cricket to the hook. While there are several ways to hook crickets, a time proven method is to simply hook it behind the head, taking care not to hook it too deeply.