Very few ice fishermen target largemouth bass during the winter months, but they are actually quite catchable despite their limited popularity. The key to having success chasing largemouth bass is to find the correct habitat in a lake that’s home to a bunch of bass. There are a number of tools that will make the process of finding and catching these fish quite a bit easier. In the video above, Mike Hehner breaks down his approach.

Hardwater Largemouth — Tools & Tactics for Success

When it comes to ice fishing, bass may not be the first species that comes to mind. However, bass can be surprisingly catchable during the winter months if you know where to find them and how to target them. In this article, we will explore some effective tools and tactics for catching largemouth bass through the ice.

Using an Underwater Camera to Locate Bass

One of the best tools for finding bass under the ice is an underwater camera. By dropping the camera down and patrolling the edge of a weed line, you can quickly identify areas with green vegetation. Bass are often found in weed beds, and they are curious fish that will come up to investigate the camera. In some cases, they may even grab the camera head and eat it! This makes the camera a valuable tool for locating bass easily.

Fishing Techniques for Largemouth Bass

When you find a school of bass in a weed bed, you have the option to fish them with either a jig or a tip-up. Using a jig, such as a tungsten jig with a plastic bait, allows you to cover more ground and move around while jigging. This can be an effective one-two punch approach for catching bass. On the other hand, using a tip-up with a shiner minnow can also be highly effective, as bass are often unable to resist shiners.

Setting Up Your Gear

Before setting up your gear, it’s important to use the underwater camera to determine the height and thickness of the weeds. This information will help you set up your flags or jig above the weed tops, ensuring that your bait doesn’t get tangled or stuck in the weeds. By placing your bait about a foot above the weed tops, you can avoid getting tangled and increase your chances of attracting bass.

Using a Spring Bobber for Bass Fishing

While it may seem unusual, using a spring bobber can actually be beneficial when fishing for bass. Observing bass on underwater cameras has shown that they often approach jigs very closely, sometimes even opening their mouths and sucking in the bait. A spring bobber can help detect these subtle bites and increase your chances of hooking a bass.

Putting It All Together

Now that you have your gear set up and your bait in the water, it’s time to start fishing for bass. Hop around and jig your tungsten jig, keeping an eye on your flag for any signs of a bite. Bass are known to move around a lot, so it’s important to cover some water and explore different areas. With a little patience and persistence, you may just hook into a nice bass.

Conclusion

While bass may not be the most commonly targeted species during the winter months, they can still provide an exciting and rewarding ice fishing experience. By using tools like an underwater camera to locate bass and employing effective fishing techniques such as jigging and using tip-ups, you can increase your chances of catching largemouth bass through the ice. Remember to set up your gear based on the height and thickness of the weeds, and consider using a spring bobber to detect subtle bites. With these tools and tactics, you’ll be well-equipped to have a successful ice fishing trip targeting bass.

So, next time you’re out on the ice, don’t overlook the opportunity to catch some bass. They may not be the most common target for ice anglers, but with the right tools and techniques, you can have a great time reeling in these curious and catchable fish. Happy ice fishing!