Black Hawk Basser

Humminbird Helix 5 SI GPS, and I've already gotten it. Now I just need 5" of ice so I can go test it ?

I tie all sorts of hair jigs, and sell some too, but honestly, I'm in ice fly and ice rod mode. I wouldn't be able to get anything done for you for quite some time. I'd be less busy in spring/summer, because I mostly do ice stuff.

There are a bunch of old gravel pits near me that I fish. First off, I try to choose the most opportune times to fish these places, because they can be extremely tough. Think early morning, later evening, and dark, cloudy or windy days. Once it's a couple weeks past the spawn, it gets even tougher due to of a number of fish sliding away from the shoreline into the aforementioned suspending habits. I return in the fall to repeat the same basic tactics that I used in the spring. Traditional baits for me include lipless cranks, spinnerbaits, boot tail plastics, Zoom Flukes, jigs, and poppers. These aren't necessarily listed in order of success or preference. Experimenting with how and when to fish these is up to you. I fish these places from shore. Paralleling the shoreline with baits is a good tactic that has been mentioned. Definitely get yourself a 1/2 oz or heavier jig. Even if you don't have confidence in fishing one, it can be a great tool to crawl along the bottom to feel for chunk rock and other structural features that you'd otherwise be oblivious to. It can be a ton of fun to fish these places with lures that are on the small size for bass; it ups your chances of sticking a walleye or crappie. I can't speak to coal mining pits, because they are all gravel mining pits here. I'm assuming the reason why 'my' pits are crystal clear is because they are totally gravel or clay bottom, no mud to stir up. Also, they get no runoff whatsoever. Those two reasons have to be it.

I've never used a black-bladed spinnerbait before, but I almost only use black skirted spinnerbaits. My most successful two are a double Colorado black/red BPS model, and an all black Terminator with a single copper blade.

Olive Green is my best X Rap color. Firetiger and Silver/Black are my best Husky Jerk colors.

Yep, I do it with my hands too. And that's what she said.

No doubt! I caught a really nice bass a couple years ago in the late winter that had a tiny hair jig in its lip, apparently from someone losing her a day or two earlier. I've caught numerous 12-17" bass through the ice. Most of the time I was using tiny 3-4mm jigs for bluegills.

Short answer, yes. Throw what you like, see what you catch, and refine from there. You could probably get by on baits in just 3 colors, but that's not any fun.

C'mon Berkley, keep making the Havoc line of baits. Many are great and very affordable.

Bye bye, Ginger Clapper.

I've caught countless fish of numerous species on X Raps and Husky Jerks. Honorable mention to the Countdown.

I like using multiple materials to tie my hair jigs. I think the mixture of actions make for a more enticing offering.

Thanks for sharing. I got 3 spools for about $15 with the $20% discount, and 6% ebay bucks that was offered through yesterday.

It's not a trust issue. I just wanted to see the haul that this kid gets.

I do lots of fly tying, I have a business specializing in ice flies. When it's safe, and when I have time, I get out on the ice and drill some holes.

@Harold Scoggins, is it possible to get an update when this is all said and done? I'd like to see the outcome of this.

Check this out: https://www.muddogrods.com/product-page/crb-wrapping-assistant I'm not associated with this company.

I have a box ready to ship to tomorrow.

Everyone who doesn't ice fish thinks this. I've never even been in a wheel house. This is Iowa, we're lucky to put an ATV on the ice, let alone a trailer. I think most bass fishermen would admit they fish for bass because it takes little skill. ?

I'd suggest a small (1.5") Bomber shallow diving crankbait. I catch all sizes of bass on them, and they also catch a multitude of other species. It's a viable option for shore fishing, as it won't dive so deep that you'll get caught up in lots of weeds. They "fit the bill" for your price range. They are generally around $4. I agree with the suggestions others have made about fishing plastics such as Stick-Os/Senkos or other plastic worms. Just remember to be patient with these, and creep them along slowly - you don't just cast and reel in like you would with a twister tail grub, spinnerbait, or crankbait. Someone mentioned a Chatterbait. That would be another great thing to try. Just cast these out and reel in. The thump from the blade really gives a guy confidence, and you definitely know it when you get a bite.

Tua injured his own hip to avoid getting drafted by the Bengals ?

One of these was gifted to me, a small squarebill. Although it's the perfect size for the river smallmouth in my area, I haven't used it much. Mine ran crooked right out of the box. One shouldn't have to alter a bait to work correctly right out of the package.

I feel your pain when it comes to the old budget. It has taken me many years to get what I have. It doesn't bother me, though. I really take pride in what I have since I've had to work hard for it.

Touche, A-Jay, there is a major difference in snowfall. The heavy snow definitely keeps me off the ice. MN Fisher: It's not that cold if you dress right, and you can get plenty toasty in the shack with a heater. Getting something to bite is what's fun, you sometimes don't know what's down there. 12pound: It can be a lot of work, but I'd argue that all the crap you have to do to maintain a boat is a lot of work too. I have a Humminbird Helix 5 that I can use both on the ice and open water. So you don't necessarily have to have something just for the ice fishing. That said, I would not ice fish without electronics. I did that a few times before I got my first Vexilar unit, and that was boring. Having a flasher makes it kind of like a video game; it's so much different than "soft" water fishing. The stereotype of people just sitting around drinking beer while waiting for a bite on the ice is so wrong. At least for me and the guys I know around here. Most guys are actively drilling holes and hopping around searching for fish. That's no different than non-fisher people just imagining all fishermen throwing out a worm under a bobber and plopping into a lawn chair, when in reality we all know that's not an accurate assessment of what we do as bass fishermen. I got into ice fishing through friends who had been doing it for years. Prior to that, I thought it would be pretty lame. Now, I sometimes prefer it over open water fishing. Having even a 15" bass crush your little jig on a little 28" rod is a blast. If nothing else, it helps scratch the fishing itch every now and then while waiting for ice out and prespawn bassin'.

So, you northern guys don't ice fish? I think tussling with a 10" bluegill on a noodle rod is more fun than a 20" largemouth on a bait caster.