Waiting for the Ice

[PirateMike]

New Otter flip up, Jiffy auger, lots of tackle, Marcum showdown, new/used 2-up sled, I'm ready to go. May fish some ponds/reservoirs this weekend if the ice is safe.

[Throttles Down]

As of this evening our pond has 3" of ice and building

[WormWiggler I]

While waiting for another great year of ice fishing in the western basin, I've been looking for a new outfit to wear this year.

I've been looking at the Striker Hardwater jacket and bibs.

Anyone had any experience with Striker products ??

The best selling point is "it floats" !!!

Thanks for any info !!

[troy1976]

Matt,
I may be taking you up on that offer if things ice up enough!

[onestout]

Worm Wiggler, the Striker Ice suits are great, my dad has one, my cousin has one, and I'll be getting one...hopefully soon. Striker Ice is only about 4-5 miles from my house so if I need to return anything that should help.

Madd Matt, If you could handle someone from out of state tagging along I would love to fish Erie through the ice. I fished it for the first time last summer and will be back this summer but really want to try it through the ice. I just don't want to venture out there on my own for the first time.

Michael

[Madd Matt]

...

Madd Matt, If you could handle someone from out of state tagging along I would love to fish Erie through the ice. I fished it for the first time last summer and will be back this summer but really want to try it through the ice. I just don't want to venture out there on my own for the first time.

Michael

It is always nice to have someone to go out with. I am by no means an experienced lake Erie Guide... I am not an ice fishing guide. Although, not everyone knows that for $50 anyone can be a licensed ice fishing guide in the State of Ohio. That's right, if you have never even walked on ice in your life and never seen Lake Erie, never cut a hole, never caught a fish or even been fishing, you too can be a licensed Ice Fishing Guide in the State of Ohio. ODNR does not require any experience nor knowledge. There is no test, there are no credentials and there are not even any questions as to if you have any clue what you are doing. (As long as you are not using a boat)

Here is the link. Anyone can sign up and become a Lake Erie ice fishing guide, licensed by the ODNR.

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/...idelicense.pdf

So, please make sure that when going out that you are getting credentials. There are plenty of Lake Erie Ice Fishing guides with years and years of knowledge and experience that are great knowledgeable guides. Ask your guide how many years on Lake Erie ice they have and ask a lot of good questions, don't take the fact that they have a Lake Erie guide license as any means of qualification!

Anyone who tells you that the "ice is safe" in my opinion doesn't have enough respect of Lake Erie. The ice on Lake Erie is never "safe"... it is just "safer than last week"

Please be careful!

Having said that. If I'm going out and anyone wants to tag along or meet up and go as a group, or meet on the ice in a general area to help zero in on some fish while on the ice, I'm game!

I have a couple guys going out tomorrow morning. I will post detailed reports. I am hoping to go out Saturday and will post again.

Be safe!

-Matt

[wayne johnson]

yOU FIRST HAVE TO BE A LICENSE CAPT. before state will give you your ice guide license. The game wardens do ask for both capts. license and ohio guide license, plus your ohio Ice Guide license.
and they do check. Capt. Mike johnson license coast guard and ohio licensed guide and licensed Ohio Ice guide. Matt here what it says must have original or notarized copy of U.S. coast guard license to apply for ohio ice guide license, at a fee above your ohio charter license and coast guard license. Thank you Capt. Mike

[Madd Matt]

Matt,
I may be taking you up on that offer if things ice up enough!

Troy,

Let me know. I've got a couple snowmobiles and 4 ATV's with 4WD and 2 quickflip shanties, 2 Flashers, plenty of rods and a place to sleep.

-Matt

[Steak91]

I bought the Striker Ice suit before last year and fished all year with it. The warmest suit I have ever owned. You won't be disappointed.

[trappernorth]

New Otter flip up, Jiffy auger, lots of tackle, Marcum showdown, new/used 2-up sled, I'm ready to go. May fish some ponds/reservoirs this weekend if the ice is safe.

sounds like we have done the same thing picked up an otter 1200 lodge this year paid 799 for it also picked up a 2 up sled this year Just for Erie. Had a great time last year on the ice hoping for a repeat this year