Ok ice out at the lake (northern Illinois) I'd like to try was just 4 days ago. So I'm putting the boat in this Saturday. I've never hit a lake this early. After reading through all of the posts, I need some suggestions. I was thinking of throwing a rattle trap or some new Strike King Rage shads or toads that I just got. Or would a senko type bait be better. At what water temp does topwater work? If you were bringing 2 baitcasters and 2 spinning, what would you rig them with? The weather says mostly sunny and a high of 58.

With the water being so cold, I would go with a tube, a jig and pig, maybe a senko, or maybe a suspending jerkbait. Oh, and don't forget dropshotting. Might be a little cold for more aggressive tactics like topwaters and cranks just yet. Then again I've been proven wrong at times on that one.

I usually start getting them on topwaters when the water temps hit the mid 50s.

Agreed, still too early for the topwaters.  I'm in Western Ohio, and we just had ice-out over the last couple weeks.  I threw the rage tail just to see the action of it (works great!) but didnt have a single tick.  I hooked a couple on a suspending jerkbait, fished it over the drop-offs assuming fish would be hanging there waiting for things to warm up a little more.  Definitely give the tube and jign'pig a shot, drop shot is a good idea too.

Bass get pretty agressive on the jerks in the early spring.

Don't be afraid to try an aggressive jerkbait retrieve.

Great luck

I agree with what has been said. Also if the lake has pike to be afraid to try for them. Shallow bays with lots of weeds should hold some pike right now.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Finally fishing starts tomorrow!