Those other fish...White Bass/Rock Bass

[Carp-fisher]

Anyone ever target these fish through the ice? If so, any recommendations?

[Matt Johnson]

Oftentimes you can find the rock bass holding with the sunfish. It's not uncommon for my adrenaline to skyrocket when I see a 12-inch rock bass cruise up to my jig while sight fishing... only to initially think it's a gill, but to find out it's a rocker once I get a solid look at it... they can be deceiving

In lakes where rock bass are prevelant, you shouldn't have a hard time locating them. They will be scattered amongst the shallow vegetation, as well as out over sticky-bottom flats cruising just like the pods of pannies. Also not uncommon to find them roaming deeper water. But it seems as if sight fishing areas draw in a good number of rockers...

I would also advise giving them a try on the table if you haven't already. Rock bass are tasty, much like a sunfish or crappie... it's mostly a mind-game as to why most people won't eat them, but I think they taste just fine...

[augernaut]

I agree with Matt - they are a good eating fish, and they fight well too - why more people don't like them, I don't know!

[Carp-fisher]

Good pointers Matt. I've caught some pretty big rock bass in the spring/summer and always thought they would be fun to ice fish for. I've always thought white bass could be interesting too. Ever catch them through the ice?

[Matt Johnson]

I've never really targeted, nor really caught white bass through the ice, at least nothing that I can remember. I've fished areas where white bass are popular, but they never seem to find their way to my line.

This is an interesting topic though, and I'm also interested in hearing what others have to say...