What a week-end!! Super busy and I got to touch many different types of fish,some very big.On Friday night I helped DNR start their netting process on the IGL’s and what a eye opener.I’m hoping to do a short article with pics to follow later next week.It was a blast,these DNR guys really work their tails off this time of year.I have a whole new respect for them.
After a few hours of sleep I thought it would be fun to try to get into some early open water smallies.I haven’t had the boat out since last November so I was eager to get out.It was just me and Austin joined by a few other boats on the water.It wasn’t long and Austin picked up a little eye,season of course is closed so it was released after a quick pic.
We worked rock piles in deeper water.Drop a marker on top of the rocks and slowly work around it.I kept my speeds between .02-.04.It wasn’t long and Austin connected with this nice smallie.
We were using 3" Power minnows on white H20 jigs.I tried a few different jigs and baits but the above mentioned was the top choice.I’m proud to say Austin out fished me.It’s still a few weeks until opener on the "big 3" on the IGL’s and I can’t wait.Here is Austin with his last smallie of the day.
Ryan Hale
It is always good to take someone with you that really knows how to fish!
Great job and I wish you well during the opener.
Austin,
What is that logo on you stocking cap? Glad to hear you outfished your Dad. I’ll have your & Cole’s “Big Fish” award for you this Saturday.
Rick
congrats on the fish, ya i agree what is that logo on your sons hat??? Good carp bait.
Way to go guys! Looks like a blast!
Saw your truck and trailer at Templar on Sat. I was out for about 4 hours in the afternoon and got around 25 smallies. They were very active on 2 of the 4 spots I hit, but seems like you had to find the “spot on the spot” and the presentation had to be on the bottom. There was a small local tourney, so I’m thinking the dead spots might have been “pounded” pretty hard before I got to them. One of the fish caughed this up:
Nice job Hale boys!
Smallies, now that sounds like fun.
Thanks for the report and pics. 
How deep were the rock piles?
Thanks, Bill
Ryan, I hate to say this…but this is like your 6th report in a row where Austin out fished you…I’m starting to see a pattern…
Great job Austin! Someone has to teach the ol’ man how to fish!
With Dad busy running the Resort this summer it won’t be long and Austin will be doing the guiding.
You taught him well Dad. 
Thanks, Bill