ICE FISHING ERIE QUESTIONS

[Koldfront Kraig]

I've got a few questions for you folks that ice fish Erie. I'm heading out to the island area, Put- In Bay, some time in the beginning of January.

First of all, what types of lures are best?
What size?
Is there current?
What is the weather typically like in January?
How thick is the ice typically around the islands?
How many rods can you fish with?
Wieght is an issue, could i get by with a good hand auger instead of a gas powered one?


I'm sure I'll think of more questions later.

Thanks

[wallydog1]

First of all, what types of lures are best?
What size?
Is there current?
What is the weather typically like in January?
How thick is the ice typically around the islands?
How many rods can you fish with?
Wieght is an issue, could i get by with a good hand auger instead of a gas powered one?



1# blade baits /jigging spoons.
2# 1/4 to 3/4.
3# yes and no.
4# hopefully cold enough/ usually cold. maybe mid to late january.
5# better be 6 inch min to 15 inch better be locked in. very careful
on a south / southwest wind.
6# 2 rods
7# yes / hand auger 8in min

[Koldfront Kraig]

>
>1# blade baits /jigging spoons.
>2# 1/4 to 3/4.
>3# yes and no.
>4# hopefully cold enough/ usually cold. maybe mid to late
>january.
>5# better be 6 inch min to 15 inch better be locked in. very
>careful
> on a south / southwest wind.
>6# 2 rods
>7# yes / hand auger 8in min



Thanks Wallydog1, but could you be more specific?

When you say current, is this just in certain areas, or everywhere? Does it make it difficult to fish with 1/4 oz. jigs? If so, I need to stock up on larger jigs.
Does the ice around the islands usually freeze more consistantly?
Could you be more spacific on average temps? Saying its usually cold is kind of vague. Typical temp. here in Minnesota is usually 10 to 20 degrees that time of year.

Thanks for the help. It's about a 12 hour drive to Erie from here, so I'd like to have as much ifo as possible before going out.

[wallydog1]

skindog,
south bass island west side first to freeze.weather could be a problem.it has not been consistant.last year was the best freeze in a few years.the current depends on the wind.expect a good current.bring
1/2 oz to 3/4 swedish pimple's.to get to south bass you could fly or last year there was a shuttle service from a air boat to get over there.mid to late january best bet for safe ice.would recommend a guide first time out.the best fishing last year was feb/ march off the main land around the reef or north of complex.good safe ice around the main land except last year has been very bad.island area the best bet that time of the year.mid to late jan.check out the posts on this site from last year around that time.lots of good info.fishing around the islands usually first to get started but could be slow at first.before making that drive I would look at as much info before making the trip.this site is good for that.the best fishing the last few years that had good ice has been in febuary.keep that in mind when planning.

[Koldfront Kraig]

Thanks Wallydog1

[Koldfront Kraig]

Thanks Wallydog1