Decided to update with a quick report.. Due to lack of info about big bay I changed plans and met up with some friends who are very experienced in early ice quinte. They wanted to visit a honeyhole near the narrows by trenton so I tagged along. Ice was 4-6" where we were and there's a nasty pressure crack with open water between the island and the buoy but we avoided it and were fine. Ended up going 3/3 with a 5 lb and 2 keeper 3lbers. Highlight of the day was definetly the aggressive marks on the flasher. Was very happy with the new flasher as well.
I ended up hearing that big island has 8-10 inche's of solid ice so it's probably good to go but don't take my word, bring a spud and check it out before you go far.
Sunset capped off a beauty day with good friends: