What lures are best for bass right after the ice thaws?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Ah, the sweet sound of ice cracking and the promise of a bass-filled adventure! After the ice thaws, bass are eager to shake off the winter blues, and choosing the right **lures** can make all the difference in your fishing success. Let's dive into the best selections for this chilly transition period.

### 1. **Jerkbaits**

**Jerkbaits** are a top choice for early spring bass. Their erratic action mimics dying baitfish, which is irresistible to bass as they begin to feed more actively. Look for suspending jerkbaits that hang in the strike zone longer, tempting bass into striking.

### 2. **Lipless Crankbaits**

Another excellent option is the **lipless crankbait**. These lures can be fished at various depths, making them versatile when bass aren’t predictable in their location. The vibrating action and rattling noises are perfect for attracting attention in murky waters.

Check out the [SteelShad Mini Series](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SHWL2V4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) on Amazon, which is great for ice-out conditions. They come in a glow-in-the-dark version, making them irresistible even in low-light conditions.

### 3. **Swimbaits**

**Swimbaits** are fantastic for targeting larger bass that are hungry after the winter. Opt for smaller profiles that match the size of the local baitfish. As the water warms, you can increase the size of your swimbait to match the bass's increasing appetite.

### 4. **Jigs**

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-presented **jig**. A jig with a soft plastic trailer can mimic crawfish or baitfish. Work them slowly across the bottom where lethargic bass may be holding.

The [Goture Ice Fishing Jigs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787X967G?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) are another option to consider; although designed for ice fishing, their action is superb for coaxing bass out of their winter slumber.

### 5. **Spinnerbaits**

Lastly, the trusty **spinnerbait** should never be overlooked. Its flash and vibration can trigger strikes from bass that are beginning to explore their habitat more aggressively.

### Pro Tip:

When fishing during the ice-out period, focus on the north side of lakes. These areas tend to warm up first due to increased sun exposure, drawing in baitfish and, consequently, bass.

For more tips, you might want to check out [this video by Garrett Paquette](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PckP-xisvNs), where he shares insights on his favorite smallmouth baits post-ice melt.

Stay patient and persistent, and soon you'll be reeling in those post-winter bass with a smile on your face. Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣

Bass Fishing Questions

More Questions

Where is the best place to fish in Redondo Beach?

What is the best spot in the world to fish with jigs for barracuda?

Why does the trout bite turn off in a reservoir when temperatures are 53 degrees?

Can you give me tips for drop shotting in deep water?

How is the weather in Ankara for fishing?

Can you help me find a reel?

What's the best way to use giant lures for bass fishing?

What lures are best for bass right after the ice thaws?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

SteelShad - Mini Series (1/4 oz) Glow Green - 2 Pack - Glow in The Dark Fishing Lures - Lipless Crankbait for Freshwater Fishing - Perfect for Ice Fishing, Pan Fishing, Crappie, Walleye and Bass

Goture Ice Fishing Jigs Tungsten Kit with Carbon Steel Hooks in Tackle Box, Winter Ice Fishing Lures for Bass, Pike, Trout, Walleye, Crappie, Panfish

Z-Viber Micro - Ultra Light and Ice Fishing Lure - Mini Lipless Crankbait - 1/16oz Rattle Bait (0.6") (Baby Bluegill)

Laxygo Ice Fishing Jig Set Fishing Bait Lures Kit Jig Head Hook Set for Panfish, Pike, Walleye, Perch and Crappies... (Type-D-4pcs)

VMSIXVM Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Soft Plastic Worm Baits Kit, Glow Winter Ice Jig Heads Hooks for Walleye Crappie Panfish Trout, Ice Fishing Gear Equipment Tackle Accessories

Sougayilang Ice Fishing Lures with 3 Sharp Hooks Winter Lifelike Fishing Baits Ice Jigging Lures Kit for Bass Walleye (4 Pcs,4 Colors)

Z-Viber Original - Ultra Light and Ice Fishing Lure - Mini Lipless Crankbait - 1/16oz Rattle Bait (1") (Wonder B (Glow))

BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lure Kit Glowing Paint Jigs for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Walleye Pike with Tackle Box (BI04-24pcs Assorted Crappie/panfish/Perch jigs)

Community

Bass Fishing Questions

How to fish a tube for smallmouth?

I want to pond fish from the bank in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and target largemouth bass. It is very overcast and is 73 degrees out today. What bait should I throw and how should I fish it?

rig choices for white bass today at lake buchanan texas

I’m looking for good smallmouth fisheries in the nj and east PA area to fish on my new bass boat this spring. Where should I go

What lures are best for bass right after the ice thaws?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

SteelShad - Mini Series (1/4 oz) Glow Green - 2 Pack - Glow in The Dark Fishing Lures - Lipless Crankbait for Freshwater Fishing - Perfect for Ice Fishing, Pan Fishing, Crappie, Walleye and Bass

Goture Ice Fishing Jigs Tungsten Kit with Carbon Steel Hooks in Tackle Box, Winter Ice Fishing Lures for Bass, Pike, Trout, Walleye, Crappie, Panfish

Z-Viber Micro - Ultra Light and Ice Fishing Lure - Mini Lipless Crankbait - 1/16oz Rattle Bait (0.6") (Baby Bluegill)

Laxygo Ice Fishing Jig Set Fishing Bait Lures Kit Jig Head Hook Set for Panfish, Pike, Walleye, Perch and Crappies... (Type-D-4pcs)

VMSIXVM Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Soft Plastic Worm Baits Kit, Glow Winter Ice Jig Heads Hooks for Walleye Crappie Panfish Trout, Ice Fishing Gear Equipment Tackle Accessories

Sougayilang Ice Fishing Lures with 3 Sharp Hooks Winter Lifelike Fishing Baits Ice Jigging Lures Kit for Bass Walleye (4 Pcs,4 Colors)

Z-Viber Original - Ultra Light and Ice Fishing Lure - Mini Lipless Crankbait - 1/16oz Rattle Bait (1") (Wonder B (Glow))

BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lure Kit Glowing Paint Jigs for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Walleye Pike with Tackle Box (BI04-24pcs Assorted Crappie/panfish/Perch jigs)

Community

Where is the best place to fish in Redondo Beach?

What is the best spot in the world to fish with jigs for barracuda?

Why does the trout bite turn off in a reservoir when temperatures are 53 degrees?

Can you give me tips for drop shotting in deep water?

How is the weather in Ankara for fishing?

Can you help me find a reel?

What's the best way to use giant lures for bass fishing?

How to fish a tube for smallmouth?

I want to pond fish from the bank in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and target largemouth bass. It is very overcast and is 73 degrees out today. What bait should I throw and how should I fish it?

rig choices for white bass today at lake buchanan texas

I’m looking for good smallmouth fisheries in the nj and east PA area to fish on my new bass boat this spring. Where should I go