Can't ice fish the South reservoir. It's run by Lorain metroparks, who do not allow ice fishing. North reservoir usually takes a good while to ice up.

I looked at them all and I even get a discount on Frabill. With that being said, spend 20 bucks more and get a Shappell fx100. More square footage of fishable space, that widens on the frame in front of you, thicker shell (600 vs 300) and a smaller footprint for ease of transport. The frabill will fit an auger in its sled, where the shappell will not. However, that was a minor point as you can just prop it on the seat when walking and I have an auger rack on my sled for that style of fishing. ER

Not sure what you are exactly looking for but can tell you a group I do work with and have an event sponsored by stepped up and bought us all shirts with the sponsors on them. They were from rayjus. In my opinion, the material and durability of them where better than the year one pro staff sweatshirts ordered here from Gemini. No pilling or fading after a full summer/fall events/tournies. They were not a cheap sweatshirt and are pretty damn cool. Fwiw. My feeling, if you are going to do it, do it right and give all the sponsors the respect for stepping up and supporting this site.
If I am ranting a bit so be it but alot went into getting the best price on those decals using top notch materials that would withstand the ice conditions and last through the years only to receive zero credit and lesser quality duplicates from others in the following years.
As far as the shirts, same thing there. I know Dave spent alot of time and effort to ensure a top professional looking shirt from Gemini.

I usually gauge Berlin by how Erie is doing. Usually it seems Berlin is the last to freeze and be safe just before Erie. For the most part.

Jim,
Thanks for the endorsement but it was west sister... Good thing you were following me!!

Thanks for doing this Dave. What a great way to end such an awesome season!!! This was fun. Thanks!!

Not getting into the whole should I go or should I stay debate. I will tell you what I know as of today. Better yet here is a story on it.

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20140312/NEWS01/303120006/Men-rescued-after-falling-through-Lake-Erie-ice

It is your decision to go and can only advise of what I know. I do know there were gale force winds here yesterday. Prior to those winds is when incident from the article occurred. So things were moving prior. Is the ice good?? Is it bad?? That is your call. I do know that one guy put his wheels through off Camp Perry Tuesday, the day the others went in. There is a 50 degree day due here Friday and we have alot of snow on the ground here. With that warm up, it is going to push alot of warm water into the rivers and into the lake. Resulting in some undercutting from warmth and current.

Long and short, I can't tell you what to do. I have driven a car on the ice on a dare when I was younger, would I do it today??? Heck no!! So it has to be a decision based on your personal life, your level of comfort etc.

Me, I have the luck of fishing Erie year 'round and that's the only place I fish. So it is not a big deal to miss out on a weekend. I have tons of stuff to do to get ready for the open water season. So at this point I think if you do decide to go, be prepared and informed.

I may be changing my mind and go this weekend but I just have something in the back of my mind saying stay home, so that's what I am leaning towards. Last time when my voice said stay home, I should have listened, as the day sucked!!

It has been a great season but all good things must end!!

Be careful out there. Its going to start getting tricky. Check your spots. I am staying put this weekend to avoid the slop!