BEREA, Ohio- Despite record-setting cold, some people look forward to spending time outside in Northeast Ohio this time of year.

At Wallace Lake in Berea, you’ll find plenty of fishermen hoping for largemouth bass and rainbow trout.

“It’s my hobby so I fish mostly like twice a week,” said George Predry of Strongsville.

These constant cold temperatures created a solid base of ice.

“We have between 10 and 12 inches of ice on average, which is enough to carry a small car or truck. So it’s definitely as safe as you are going to get for on foot anglers,” said Mike Durkalec, an aquatic biologist with Cleveland Metroparks

Metroparks officials said ice fishing has become so popular this year because people don’t want to stay cooped up inside.

“In fact, a lot of the local shops are selling out of ice fishing gear, if you can believe that,” Durkalec said. “We had an ice fishing event last Saturday on Valentine’s Day and despite really nasty weather, we had 142 people attend.”

Fisherman Randy Jones brought his one-man tent to beat the elements and catch some dinner.

“When the weather gets cold, you can simply put the top down. And I can still see my fish finder and see my holes, and I’m nice and toasty warm and block from the wind,” said Randy Jones, of Columbia Station.

If you are going to be ice fishing, consult the Metroparks ranger to make sure the ice is safe.