Pan fish, by the way, refers to the fact that they fit nicely in a skillet. Now I have heard that some uppity folks call these fish perch, and consider them less than desirable prey. That is definitely not the case down south, where I was born, nor was it north of Dallas-Fort Worth, where I did most of my growing up. There, pan fishing is considered equal sport to bass fishing and deer hunting. Generally the little rascals are better on the table too.
Pan fish are the equal opportunity employers of the fishing world.
Pan fish live everywhere. I've fished for them in urban ponds, deep mountain lakes two-days hike into the hills, and every place in between. Best of all, they lurk near the banks so a fishing boat is not required. While there are thousands of expensive lures and jigs meant to entice the wily sunfish to strike when artfully cast from a modern spinning reel, all a fellow really needs is a cane pole, a bobber and a piece of earthworm wiggling on the hook. You cannot say that about many sports or pastimes.