Ice out bait choices

Shortliner · March 21, 2013, 10:32:12 AM

Unfortunately for many of us fishing in ice out conditions is turning into more than that one weekend in early spring. The ice comes and goes and surface temps never get out of the 30s. Anyhow enough whining. I'm heading out again this weekend and put together a list of baits and techniques to see what you all think. This list is based on my notion that smallies will be easier to locate. Clarity varies but always 3-4ft minimum.
Jerk baits (assortment)
Spinnerbaits (slow roll and yo yo)
Flukes (light keel weight)
Heddon blade baits ( " ")
Square bills (around deep lay downs)
Drop shot (small minnow baits)
Shake head (zman crawdadz/baby flukes)
Punisher float n fly

I know after an hour or so Murphy's law will completely nullify my list but its fun to plan. Thanks

light wire · March 21, 2013, 11:13:24 AM

My #1 ice out bait is the 1/4 oz. rattletrap in the orange craw or red craw color.
Wind blow pockets with flat water. I like to use 20lb. mono with this bait to keep the bait
up off the bottom in shallow water.

Shortliner · March 21, 2013, 03:16:05 PM

Right on lite wire. I shouldn't forget about those. A red eye shad in bluegill works well in this lake.

Facepunch · March 21, 2013, 03:53:11 PM

Huddleston at a slow creep, drop shot, and a white grub on a 1/4oz pink jig head.

bassmaster3541 · March 21, 2013, 04:08:50 PM

Jig and Jerkbait... But I'd much rather it just be May already

Smallie_Stalker · March 22, 2013, 04:01:01 PM

Quote from: bassmaster3541 on March 21, 2013, 04:08:50 PM
Jig and Jerkbait... But I'd much rather it just be May already

Haha! Well said brother

bassmaster3541 · March 22, 2013, 11:27:26 PM

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on March 22, 2013, 04:01:01 PM
Haha! Well said brother

Just found out where there is a powerplant on the Merrimack, water temps are 57, might as well be May!

Facepunch · March 23, 2013, 12:59:28 AM

Get ready to battle every other swinging Richard with a fishing pole and a boat within a hundred mile radius lol.

coldfront · March 23, 2013, 06:54:16 AM

Quote from: light wire on March 21, 2013, 11:13:24 AM
My #1 ice out bait is the 1/4 oz. rattletrap in the orange craw or red craw color.
Wind blow pockets with flat water. I like to use 20lb. mono with this bait to keep the bait
up off the bottom in shallow water.

good point (and thanks for sharing your state location, helps a lot...)

Pat Curtis · March 23, 2013, 09:19:28 AM

With out situation in NE Indiana, where our lakes were open last week but now have 3"+ ice now, conditions are tough!

Jigs are great, jerkbaits of course, but an Erie Darter Jr. is hard to beat.