Bass through the ice

[Whopper Stopper]

I have noticed many bass on my Aqua View while pan fishing. What do you bass guys use to get them to bite in the winter? I have had many false flags on the tip ups with med. suckers. I am guessing it is bass. I have them come and look at a jig and worm, but no bites. Thanks for any tips!

WS

[Deitz Dittrich]

They are very lethargic. I managed a few last weekend on panfish gear sight fishing them. But I think your best bet is tip up and live bait as you stated..

[Duffman]

Caught one on Saturday, shiner on a tipup.

[bassfshin24]

Is it legal to target bass during the winter? i ice fished them all the time in South Dakota...they are really fun to catch through the ice.

[Juan Grande]

Yep, the season closes at the end of Feb. with the rest of the game fish.

[Whopper Stopper]

Thanks for the replies. Last weekend my wife caught a 4.5 pound bass on coon lake in about six feet of water. Like I said I had watched a few on the camera and also sight fished a little for them. I was in hopes there was a magic bait that would make them inhale something. No kidding they are lethargic. Thanks again!\

WS

[Traxxx]

This is about the toughest period of the winter to get them to bite. 1/16th ounce forage minnow spoons are my go to bait. One trick I use when they are near the bottom, is to pound the spoon on the bottom a few times. Next jig it up fast, go past them about three inches, and try to get a reaction bite. Sometimes it may take a few try to get them to go.