Bass through the Ice?

Roadkillwarrior · 02-06-2007, 06:09 PM

Ive caught catfish, crappie, and tons of blue gill through the ice, but I can not figure out the bass. Is there certain areas where the bass hang out durring the winter or can you find them where the rest of the fish are found? What kind of bait and jigs do you use? Thanks for any help!!

humblehunter · 02-06-2007, 06:29 PM

I've always wondered the same thing. I've caught them before through the ice but it is rare. I even got a 20 inch smallie through the ice.

buckhunter14 · 02-06-2007, 07:29 PM

Bass are suspended along the drop-off where the baitfish are during the winter. They still need to eat no matter what the season. We usually catch them at about 10 ft down in 14-15 ft of water.

I have never jigged, but I usually set out a tip-up with a shiner or chub.

I have caught some of my biggest through the ice. Alot better eating and very colorful.

TeeJay · 02-07-2007, 12:10 AM

I ahve caught a pile of largemouth through the ice. Never on purpose but i have caught them. Under 15 ft fishing pike or panfish. Find the sunnies and put down a big shinner you will catch them.

Phil from Maine · 02-07-2007, 05:11 AM

I catch a few bass every year when fishing for white perch. I'll usually catch them down around 20 to 28 feet in with th white perch using the same method as above. I put them back down the ice hole.

Roadkillwarrior · 02-08-2007, 04:59 PM

So could you tip a small jig with a shiner, or what kind of rig do you use?
-Thanks for the Replies!!!!

buckhunter14 · 02-08-2007, 05:49 PM

I just use a treble with a leader. but that is my pike/bass setup.

Champlain Islander · 02-09-2007, 04:36 AM

I catch them all the time when I fish for sunnies and gills especially in February and March. They really tear up the 4 pound test in shallow water because you aren't expecting a large fish. I fish for sunnies with small #8, 10 or 12 jigs like demons or rockers tipped with maggots. Some days you get on dozens and they are a pain. You have to fish with an ice rod and reel with a drag to take the first run.

bdog2003 · 02-09-2007, 11:19 AM

Last night I caught a 16" bass through the ice. He hit a small green jig with a crappie minnow. Dont usually get any of those on the lake I fish.

indianahunter83 · 02-09-2007, 07:20 PM

There are rapala lures made for ice fishing for bass that work wonders.