[Banker]

1st Ice in Central Ohio means a trip to Long Island- IL. I have heard from others though, that this year is a bit different as water levels are down about 18 inches changing much of the dynamic of our first ice haven. The bigger fish are deeper- in not as safe areas. I will be there tomorrow to check it out. Please stay tuned to these posts as I have heard from the best that it may not be worth a trip this weekend.

[Banker]

 Feel a bit weird replying to my own post before others do..anyways was at Long Island (second pull off) 2.5-3 inches (4 inches not found as earlier reported in the week) Ice is slushy- lots of stuff on top. Should freeze in the next couple of days. Was only 2 other guys fishing by the time we left (5pm) and everyone was saying the same thing- catching tiny gills every once in a while. Biggest we caught was a 7 inch gill my newbie mentored guy caught- he was excited. Was really surprised how no one was out there. I guess there was a lot more in the morning and on Friday- poor fishing and weakening ice conditions must have drove them all away.


4 fish in 3 hours ...1st time out this year...1st time out ever for my buddy.
Had fun. and most importantly -..got to ice fish in December:)

[ratherbefishing]

You're either a heck of a salesman or your buddy has a serious pair of stones! His first time out was on poor ice and he still caught fish! I didn't get your message until about 4 and we were on our way to a family get together. Great that you got out! I think the snow and standing water on the ice is a big deterrant for people, it was for me.

Don't worry I'm sure we'll get together at some point this winter