last year was a banner year on the ice. lately they have been few and far between for good ice. We get out one year the next we don't. As far as the 13 pounders, possible??? Yes. Guys were having 40-80 fish days last year with tons of good eaters in the mix. Many more good eater days than hog days but you can them for sure. Like the other poster said Port Clinton is where you need to be and more than likely you would be leaving out of Crane Creek/Magee Marsh or Catawba. You can walk easier from Catawba than Magee but if both could be done on days when the bite is closer to the ramps. We were travelling between 7-10 miles out of Magee last year and 3 plus miles from Catawba for a good bite. Many guys use quads but I am a believer of snowmobiles on erie for conquering drifts, shoves and cracks. Either way studs or chains are a must. Rickards Bait usually serves the ice crowd when there is ice but will only open when guys are getting out. As of now, our season this year is not looking nearly as good as last year but in a usual season good ice is not usually even thought of until at least mid january, at the earliest.
I would say to have a back up for Erie if you are taking vacation time from work, it can be hit or miss like I said. Hopefully, we get a good season this year as it is such a great time in the winter on Erie.
