Advice for eyes on erie

[eyeassassin]

So i am new to these post.  i have belonged to fishusa for awhile but i need some information on going for eyes through the ice on erie.  i am planning on hopefully (weather permitting) going up at the end of jan.  i am going to stay at the hotel in put in bay for 3 days.  so i have never fished the western basin through the ice, and i have no idea where to go to try and target some eyes.  I know i could just make my way to where i see the most ppl in a general area.  also is it possible to walk from the bay to any good fishing.  any information you can give i will be very thankful for.  I also know that there are guides but i really dont like to use other ppls stuff.  and with the price of the hotel for 3 days adding on a guide is something my old lady might not go for
good luck and be safe

[ratherbefishing]

You might ask my friend ohiofisher19... His name is Jonny Fickert and he and his farther fish the western basin more than anybody else I know. Another good resource is Carl Bachtle, he's Big Daddy on the site. Another NW Ohio angler with a good reputation.

Swedish Pimples are a mainstay in every Walleye anglers box, as well as Vib'e's and the new Lindy Darters are a good investment as well!

Good Luck!

[OhioFisher19]

Yup it should freeze up good, make sure you keep your fingers crossed.
I've been seeing some nut cases go out already and the bay has had a few shanties on it.

IMO I think you should skip the bay and stay on the mainland although your crowds will be more. The bay seems to have a little bigger fish with a bit smaller crowds but it is way more hit and miss and way less numbers. Sweedish pimples and jiggin raps are the way to go and finding a spot is something that you need day to day experience basically. good luck!

[eyeassassin]

so if i stay on the main land do i need to get a guide and can i walk to where the fish might be.  i am fine on any frozen lake i have ever been on but after some of the things you read about "the big pond" it make you alittle uneasy.  I am sorry i have to ask so many questions on this subject but i want to make sure that my trip is safe and hopefully successful

[Bigpapa]

Wait til closer to your trip before you buy tackle, it changes by the week on the big water. If your doing this trip for the first time, I highly recommend you contact a local guide or one of the guys on this site with experience. The lake is no joke, disrespect her and she'll kill you in a split second. If you stay on the mainland, there is always somebody willing to take you out and drop you off, just make sure you get picked back up .

[walleye bonker]

New to the web site but not to the Island walleye fishing.  Make sure you have plenty of minnows, since it is tough to buy a minnow on the Island.

This is my first post, so it is kind of a test, also.

[g]

Size 5 sweedish pimples in prism blue,prism green, or orange work good. Jigging rapalas in size 5 & jigging shads in perch, blue & silver & chartruse will work. Also the bigger vibes catch fish. Colors change from day to day & throughout the day. Gold, orange, blue or green are always good colors.There are airboats & snowmobiles that charge to take you out from the mainland & bring you back or you can walk usually a mile or two. Be safe & have fun.

[turkeyneck003]

Check with Jeff at Buckeye Fishing Charters he is selling minnows at the Put-In-Bay airport this year.....

[jumpy]

www.buckeyefishingcharters.com  prices include lodging and warm shanty,bait and a ride in and out. Plus guide services.

[eyeassassin]

that is one of the 4 on my list to call