To the OP. I like reading posts of success on the lake but with you being a licensed capt you should also include the dangers of winter fishing Lake Erie. These posts may encourage inexperienced, under equipped, unprepared fisherman to attempt these winter trips. I am a retired capt with 40 yrs of pulling hardware in the western basin. I have had my share of assisting in tows, picking people out of the water, and witnessing a recovery. The lake can eat you alive. This time of year you are the only one out there, and Coast Guard response times are longer. I'm not trying to put a damper on your trips but as a pro you should pass these dangers along to those who read your posts.