Posts by Dennis Christian over on the white bass forum regarding how he successfully uses a plain Mepps Aglia for that species had me quickly ordering the two sizes in silver blades he recommends. These lures await some day when I can target white bass the way Dennis does.

So, while I was ordering these larger Mepps Aglias, I noticed that they had a "00" size, a really tiny silver Aglia for panfish, and bought a couple of them, too.

Report:

First day out on my dock and first cast . . . as I was reeling the Aglia in and watching the cool little spinning action as it came through the water about 6" under the surface, I actually saw the bluegill run at it and smack it. Whew, they are fast! I reeled this one in and about a half dozen more just running the Mepps Aglia across open water out in front of my boat dock.

So, last evening, Louise and I went down, the weather was so nice, and I had a "4 species" catch result: many bluegills, one small bass (photo), one crappie, and . . . a 26" catfish!!! The catfish ran me over into the pads, we fought each other (I was using an ultra-light rod and 2 lbs. braid) for about 10 minutes. The catfish finally came out of the weeds and I netted it.

Anyway, a pic of the tiny Mepps Aglia, an old school inline spinner, and one of the fish below. I wish I had the camera available when I caught the catfish . . . it'd be the largest (strongest) fish caught on the 2 lbs. braid yet for me. I thought it was going to spool me, might have if it had taken off for open water.

I give my personal endorsement, for what it's worth, regarding these tiny little Mepps if anyone is looking for another lure to be used with an active retrieve. Lots of fun. Fish seem to love them. It is a bit like fishing topwater lures to me since you can see the shiny silver blade coming back, at least at the speed and water clarity I was fishing.

Pics sideways. Hmm???

Brad

Meeps are great especially on pan fish. I have plenty in my tackle box! Great post Brad!

00 MEPPS in silver has always been one of my favorite trout lures back in CO and I've taken some really good trout (up to 7 1/2 lbs) on them. I've also been known to catch the occasional catfish on them like you did. Cats will take a small fish as quickly as any other fish will and that's just what the MEPPS imitates.

Flags/All,

Funny, I have been feeding fish around my boat house for a few weeks. This big cat had come up for dinner several times, surfaces and seems oblivious to me looking down on him. So, I made a cast last evening and as soon as the Mepps hit the water, retrieve not started, he took it and ran to the pads immediately. It was definitely unintended as my targets were small bass and panfish.

You are so correct: cats will definitely hit something that looks like a wounded fish or something with a flash to it. over the years, I have caught cats on spoons more than once. Opportunistic feeders, to say the least.

For all the anglers who use live bait but like to carry a few artificial lures, this'd be one I'd want in my tackle box!

Brad

Great post Brad

I'm sure I would have lost patience and tried to horse that catfish out of the weeds and lost it. I've never even tried 2 lb. test other than my fly rod. That lasted about five minutes. I popped two flies off with a couple of crappy casts and gave up. Well done.

Those Mepps Aglia size 00 are amazing lures. As kids my buddies and i would save money to try and buy 1 or 2. Great lures!!

Always had it in mind to try those 00 in-line spinners but never got around to it. Hopefully gonna give it a try this fall.

Thanks for the report, Brad!

Nice post. Good information here.

Great Post as always!