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Print Page - Tips For Targeting Large Mouth Bass
Ice Fish Ohio Forum
Ice Fishing => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave_E on January 15, 2018, 02:01:15 PM
Title: Tips For Targeting Large Mouth Bass
Post by: Dave_E on January 15, 2018, 02:01:15 PM
I'm a catch and release guy, even with pan fish.
I want to target large mouths under the ice. Other than finding weeds, what tips do you have to specifically pursue them?
Baits, depths, structure, gear, etc....
Thanks.
Title: Re: Tips For Targeting Large Mouth Bass
Post by: slabslayer on January 15, 2018, 04:15:28 PM
Ok, so I’ll try not to go on too much. I love bass fishing, what I mostly do.
I’ll start with gear: I use a 3’6” medium to medium heavy longer rod with an inline (Black Betty) reel spooled with 4 pound fluorocarbon. Although I’ve gotten a 6 pounder on the ice with an ultralight bluegill rod and 1 pound test. Keys are a good drag and trying to keep the line from any sharp edges around the hole.
Depths and structure are related: not to oversimplify, but they don’t move a whole lot from summer areas in winter. Where you find them in summer will typically mirror now. I usually find them in deep trees, green weeds, deep permanent docks, rock piles, etc. I drop a camera down and can watch them, they can be more active than you’d ever think! Typically from 6-18 feet is where I target thru the ice. The bigger ones worth catching will often be around bluegill and crappie.
As for baits: this is often the most open ended and comes down to trial and error. Crappie size baits have been best for me. Spoons and large tungsten rain drop styles. I don’t tip with minnows, I’ve found waxies for bass work much better. At least where I fish anyway. And color varies, they were tearing up a firetiger #5 tungsten last week but ignored it today. They only wanted a #5 silver tungsten today.
Best advice I can offer is trial and error. I do catch and release as well, and bass on ice are a blast!! Worth the effort to pin them down.
Anything else, please add on. Helps us all be better fishermen! Pic was from PLX today.
Title: Re: Tips For Targeting Large Mouth Bass
Post by: g on January 15, 2018, 04:33:02 PM
3/16 oz. vibes and #2 or # 3 jigging raps tipped with wax worms work too.