I can't tell you much about fishing in NE Ohio, but here in Oklahoma, some of the biggest cats are usually caught during the winter months. We don't ice over like some states, so you just have to brave the cold and get on the water. You want to use live bait if possible, and remember the bigger the bait the bigger the cat.

Good Luck.

stick to smaller baits early in the season, nightcrawlers and leeches are great .  but the best bait i have used are little bullhead catfish. cut the horns off. works for me all the time