My experience ice fishing is quite a bit like yours. I have caught a few bass over many years, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
In my younger days I was into spear fishing for pike quite heavily. I was sitting in a dark shanty, staring down into the lake through a 2' x 4' hole in the ice. Doing so, you get to watch every species of fish in the lake come through that hole sooner or later. LM & SM Bass usually moved by right down on bottom, very slowly, and even if you could drop a bait down to their level, they completely ignored it. Not surprising when you consider that these fish are more of a warm water species than say a walleye or a pike. Colder water equals a slower metabolism which equals a greatly reduced need to feed.
The only way I would spend time targeting bass through the ice would be if I had access to a small lake or pond that was stocked primarily with bass and no toothy critters. An UL Rod using 2lb - 4lb line, micro sized teardrops, and an emerald shiner would be my choice due to the more sporting fight you'll get over a tip up. Setup several rigs so you can jig with one and deadstick the other(s).
All that said, I would rather spend my time on the ice chasing species that result in more action and the chance at a fish fry!