we all want ice. looking back on 30+ years of ice fishing, and what i've learned. i started out on our farm pond. global warming wasn't even thought of. we always had a week or 2 of -10 degrees. then it warmed up, and i could ice fish. didn't have portable shelters, or buddy heaters. i always waited for 4 inches, and i've never had trouble. i can count on 1 hand the times i've got on the ice before Christmas. now it seldom gets to 0 degrees, more people ice fish, we have the 'net so we can talk to guys up north, shantys, heaters, electronics, -------new toys but no playground. have faith guys. winter will get here. anyone rember 2005? on the ice the 2nd week in dec. ice was gone Christmas eve. never froze back. i'm in central ohio, so guys up north have a better chance. we will ice fish. i remember 1 year i went out 1 weekend, and that was it. we will fish. if i gotta travel to do it.