Hard to predict safe ice for fishing this far out.But to get that ice you need artic cold spells like the one we are going to get starting this weekend.I have only ice fished twice with a guide out of Put in Bay,so I'm no expert when it comes to ice fishing.I do know the first safe ice forms off s bass,green and rattlesnake.The ice off the Catawba ramp takes longer.Will see what the weather is like through end of January and early February for making ice.Think I have heard some ice fisherman say there is no such thing as "safe ice".Hope you ice fisherman do get out this winter though.