Welcome Mark I'm from Middlebury IN
There is a Kevin Vandam video on how he cast a bait caster so far
You don't know what your missing,lol
After dark on the ice for crappies is a blast
I'm from northern INDIANA we don't stop .The only thing that stopes us is waiting on the ice to get thick enough. 3 to 4"'
I've not hunted in 40 yrs. But fish year round.Some of my biggest fish have come through the ice
In rivers the walleye bite gets better as the water gets colder
Will use power pro over fireline any day great line
Yes they make a fall run, try Rapala Husky jurks baits ,in firetiger, silver & black, blue & silver,size 10 or 12. Use a slow twitch pause retrieve.Be ready they may hit with 4 ft of line out right a your feet,lol