For surf panfish like you're talking about NOTHING beats a sabiki rig tipped with tiny pieces of shrimp, bloodworm, clam, or fish bites. You can cut the rigs down if they are too long for whatever rod you happen to be using. I think Hayabusa brand rigs are the best quality, but they are also the most expensive.

BTW, I find hardheads to be delicious, I just break off the spines before tossing them in the cooler to prevent lacerations later.

Last edited by jstamper; 05/22/14.