I love to bass fish in open water and have caught my share of nice Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. But for some reason, pulling a 10" plus Bluegill through the ice is a bigger thrill for me. I can't explain it, but there is something magical about jigging up big Bluegill through the ice. Only 3 1/2 months or so until safe ice here in CT.
I hear ya, but dont rush it! Ice'll come soon enough and Fall is a great time for big fish to be caught in the shallows again. Ever fish Candlewood Lake in Danbury?