I use my vex and ice lures all the time in open water. Not the rods so much, although there's a couple in my boat at all times for under certain low clearance bridges. But I get huge crappie and bluegill all year long on my ice tackle, especially my ice plastics.
Inland Guide Service: Servicing NE Ohio lakes: Deer Creek, Atwood, Berlin, Dale Walborn, PLX, and Nimisila; for crappie, bluegill, saugeye, and walleye.
Team Wilcraft!
Pro Staff: IceFishOhio, JM Jigs, Eurotackle
Custom jigs available--pm for details