I happened to be one of many to ask Santa for fishable ice.....apparently I was good this year, and he granted my wish ! I went out to check a few of the local public waters near my house, as I was a bit constrained on available time and low and behold, the last lake I checked had a solid 3.5 to 4" of ice......drilled a few holes in an area known to have fish and marked a few on the flasher...I wish I had brought more than one rod setup, they didn't want what I had to offer them.....anyways, Merry Christmas to you all, and safe ice is in sight !