Looks like I’m going to be the first angler for a hard water report for Dec 05.Hope all of you have got the ice fishing stuff ready because you might get the fever after this early ice report.I had the day off today because the boss was out after deer with a group of hunters.So what better way to spend a few hours than by punching holes on the ice? My partner today was the little Hale brother-Caden.I made sure we had safe ice,got the shack set up, heater going,and then it was time for Cade to fish.We punched many holes before we found active fish.That is why it is very important to have good electronics on the water.If it wasn’t for the Vexilar today we might not have caught any fish.
Once we found fish coming through the ice it was game on!! The first fish that came through the hole was a double by Cade and I.Here is his first hard water fish for the Dec 05 season.
We would watch the Vex. and each time fish came through we would have action for a few minutes.Cade was using a 18" Lighting Rod which is a great rod for the younger kids.We both had Hali’s on and they were tipped with waxworms.We caught alot of fish with alot in the 7-8" range but they all went back into the water for another day.
Can you say wore out?? Cade had a blast but it’s alot of work for the little guys when you catch many fish.Took him about 2 minutes to crash while I was loading up the gear.
Hope you all get a chance to get on the hard water soon.,
Ryan & Cade Hale.
Having a few problems with pics.Here is Cade watching his pole for those lite bites.
Ryan Hale
Tired boy after we were done.
Ryan Hale
Cade with gill.
Ryan Hale
Try to find sometime to get those little ones out for some fishing.Cade with another gill.He is very excited for his older brothers to get home from school so he can tell a few fish stories of his own.
Ryan Hale
how much ice?
Thanks
Hi Cade,how you been? Thats a great question and I should have said something about how much ice we were on.Everyone needs to remember that you need to be very carefull on first ice.We had a good 6″‘s of ice,which is 2 more inches from Sunday when I checked it.
Ryan Hale
Looks like you and Cade had a good day
nice pics!
dave
Great report–glad you found some fish! Makes me get the itch–can’t wait to chase hardwater fish–but will have to weight until after second season. Thanks for sharing!
–Whitey
Is there any ice on boji?
Might get out this weekend thnking about clear lake if its possible.
Thanks Kirk
hey thats great!
I was out yesterday on the ice and had 4 inches under me. We hit goose island up here in LAX on sunday and caught a medium batch of gills…1.5 -2″ of ice down there on sunday but it is much safer now. This weekend i will be out all over hopefully and i will be chasing those pannies!
Good luck
Great pics
Looks like the little man had a great day with dad!! Excellent pictures nothing like a stocking hat for a pillow.
great report ryan guess i better buy the new shack,maybe we’ll be done deer hunting early this weekend have next week off maybe do some fishing
Good report Ryan. I hope to get out in a few days here in Central Mn.
Thanks for the report and pics Bud. Great to see you guys back on ice.
How do you like that new ice shack? Looks roomy. 
Thanks, Bill
Thanks for all the feedback,always nice to hear what you guys have to say.
Kirk,there were guys on Smiths Bay today,and a few in the grade area on Spirit.
Bill,like the new shack,sets up easy and the seats are awesome.I also really like the tear out windows.2 new features this year that are a big +.
After Cole and I are done with deer hunting we’ll be hitting it hard.Hope to see a few of you on the ice.
Ryan Hale
Thanks for the reply Ryan.
When is Terry coming up?
Thanks again and I’ll see ya on the ice.
Kirk
you got it you got it what up
Kids are the greatest 
Be safe and keepem coming bud 
Ryan, great to see you and the kiddo out spendin some time together! The Ice Queen and I dragged the shack home today and got it set up and the auger started etc. She is psyched and ready to go. Seems like first ice is a pretty safe bet for gettin lucky with a girl as hooked on ice fishin as my wifey…lol. Was wonderin if you’d seen any guys fishin the millers canals yet? Im not sure how those freeze up early or lat, small water but possibly some current. If ya hear anything please drop a note. Still have your card above the visor of the vehicle and hope to see ya out there with your wonderful boys again this year. Take care and see ya on the pond John and Christy
It doesn’t get any better than that Ryan!
Thanks for the great report
,looks like the little guy had alot of fun.Thats truley what its all about.
Hey John,great to hear from you.I’m sure we’ll run into each other up there again this year.Just let me know when your going to be on the ice.Seen 7 shacks on smiths Bay today.Haven’t been over to the canals yet but I’m sure there is ice on them.
Alot of great feedback guys!!!! Thanks.
Ryan Hale
Good report. Nice looking lad. I just hope everyone out there uses good judgement for these early hardwater fish. We lost another fisherman through the ice in Cedar Falls today. That’s the second in the past week here in NE Iowa. So sad.
Happy fishing.
Ryan, thanks for the report and glad that Cade got to tell some stories!
Keep those kids busy!
just moved to iowa about 6 months ago, shot my pheasants this year and now am looking for some ice fun…. can any one tell me the ice conditions on okoboji? any hints as to where and what to use for some gills?
The ice conditions in the Okoboji are good.I have a article in the fishing article section that will get to started on putting a few West O gills on the ice.
Ryan Hale