Ice Bass Fishing Tips

Equipment

Rig tip-ups with 75 to 100 yards of 20-pound test braided Dacron line. Attach to this a 4-foot long leader of fluorocarbon. This type of fishing line has the same refractive powers as water does. When immersed in the water, it is invisible to a bass. Rig this leader with a No. 4 hook and place a single split-shot a foot above it to hold the minnow or shiner down. When jigging for bass, use a medium to heavy ice fishing rod to handle the fight a bass can give through the ice. Spool on 8- to 10-pound test fluorocarbon line until you reach the line capacity on your reel. Tie on your favorite artificial jigs that produce bass for you in warm weather.

When and Where

The same depth water that holds bass in the summer might not do so in the winter. Bass tend to flock to deeper water after first ice in shallow lakes. Use topographical maps of lakes in your area to find the deepest waters. Early morning or late afternoon are prime feeding times for bass under the ice. Concentrate your efforts on deeper channels that run through large lakes. Remember that bass will be close by to where their food source is. Weeds that stay green in low light conditions offer fish a place to hide, a source of food and higher oxygen levels. In most lakes and large ponds, these weeds will attract smaller fish, which in turn will entice bass. Electronic fish finders can be of great help in locating bass and their prey through the ice.

Setting the Hook

Once a tip-up flag goes up in the air, carefully walk to it to avoid falling or scaring the fish. Bass typically will grab a bait headfirst, and then head off with it. Extended line out under the ice will indicate the bait has been taken. The reel will be moving as the bass swims off with your minnow or shiner. Remove the tip-up from the hole and grab the line so the fish will not detect anything being askew. Give a hard tug on the line to set the hook, then begin to bring the line in hand over hand. If the line suddenly stops screaming off the reel before you have a chance to set the hook wait a few seconds. Try to feel the fish by gently pulling on the line and attempt to set the hook if you can feel the fish moving.