Ice out techniques?

[Coldbasser]

Well the ice finally went off of the lakes here. Opening day is Saturday the 11th.

I'm fishing a fairly clear lake 10' of visibility with 32 to 40 degree water.

i have the following tied on in no paticulur order 

Hair jig , Ned rig with drop shot, tube jig, jerk bait, & a wacky rig.

will be searching depths from 40'. Up to the shallows if sunny will look for dark rocks & such. 

Its a Canadian Shield lake max depth of 140' a dozen islands or so

if I'm missing something please let me know Oh & I'm taking something new for me Patience letting baits sit for a time. Lol 

cheers

Rick 

[Will Wetline]

Coldbasser, You're missing vibrating blade baits such as the Silver Buddy on your list. There are a number of posts on BR about how to fish them.

 

It's good that you have the understanding of the need to be patient this time of the season. Fish s l o w l y.

 

Tight lines to you.

[Vilas15]

I'd add a lipless crankbait fished like a blade bait. Rip off the bottom and let it fall.

[A-Jay]

53 minutes ago, Vilas15 said:

I'd add a lipless crankbait fished like a blade bait. Rip off the bottom and let it fall.

I'll second this one ~ 

But I prefer and have success making small hops rather than big rips off the bottom.

And don't be afraid to let it sit on the bottom (pause) for a bit longer than you think.

They will slurp that motion-less thing up like it's no bodies business . . .

(I don't actually know what that means)

Good Luck

A-Jay

[TnRiver46]

9 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I'll second this one ~ 

But I prefer and have success making small hops rather than big rips off the bottom.

And don't be afraid to let it sit on the bottom (pause) for a bit longer than you think.

They will slurp that motion-less thing up like it's no bodies business . . .

(I don't actually know what that means)

Good Luck

A-Jay

I think it means the same as when they slurp that motionless thing up quick as “I’ll get out.” Or is it “all get out”

[A-Jay]

3 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I think it means the same as when they slurp that motionless thing up quick as “I’ll get out.” Or is it “all get out”

LOL ~ 

All Get Out is very popular here . . . 

A-Jay

[12poundbass]

4 hours ago, A-Jay said:

LOL ~ 

All Get Out is very popular here . . . 

A-Jay

It sure is! 

 

Are you ending sentences with eh yet? 

[Dwight Hottle]

I'll be up at Rainy Lake in Ontario on the 12th. The first bait I'll be throwing is a jerk bait all day & all week. I do have some hair jigs in case it's really slow. Sounds like you have it covered. Good luck. 

[Vilas15]

1 hour ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I'll be up at Rainy Lake in Ontario on the 12th. The first bait I'll be throwing is a jerk bait all day & all week. I do have some hair jigs in case it's really slow. Sounds like you have it covered. Good luck. 

Floating or suspending jerkbaits? Wondering whether I should start with husky jerks or x-raps later this month when I get out on the water for the first time.

[Dwight Hottle]

15 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

Floating or suspending jerkbaits? Wondering whether I should start with husky jerks or x-raps later this month when I get out on the water for the first time.

Suspending almost always for smallmouth except in really skinny water. I did really good last year with an Ima Flit 120 sp. 

[Coldbasser]

Thanks EH! :-))

Locked & loaded for S.M. Bass EH

Rick