My son just called, on his way home from 1st fishing trip of the winter, He had caught his limit of crappies at a small lake near his home in Addison Ny. All nice slabs, some were over 16 inches. He uses tip-downs and minnows. A group of older fellows at his work are all going new years day. By himself today. 7 inches of good ice and he had a great time. He uses the flasher and today he found them in 22 ft of water. I live in florida in the winters and he trys to get me excited about the ice fishing. I introduced him to ice fishing when he was about 6 yrs old and now he will be 33 in feb. Boy the memories I have fishing with him thru the years! Get the kids hooked on fishing not drugs!
I know how you feel RM. I grew up in Westbury NY ( not Long Island). Ice fished with my dad n brothers all over upstate NY and even Canada( Bay of Quinte for walleyes). Me and dad didnt see eye to eye on much when i was a sprout, but fishing and hunting finally mended things. Seneca lake perch was a favorite. Give our best to your son.