Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Hard water!

We've had 8 days below freezing, couldn't wait, hopped on the dock and punched a few holes. Appeared around 3-3.5", so I went a little further and popped a few more. Few springs still bubbling, but plenty of solid ice it appears. November 18 is typically still in the 50s around here - this is by far the earliest I've been on the ice in my ice fishing career. I'll be moving the office to the ice tomorrow from Noon onward - call my cell, I'll give you an update on the bite.

Stay safe TJ, I checked the ice on my pond last night and still don't trust it.

I could hear a spring bubbling and you can see it in the first photo on the left hand side. Otherwise pretty solid. Too bad the wind is howling today - might have to postpone until tomorrow.

I had standing water on a spot that was sagging yesterday and could see other areas where water had drained back in and eaten some small holes in the ice. The first two feet along the edge wasn't safe to stand on yet.

I am going to wait.

TJ, got your picks around your neck??

I've been swimming thru the ice a few times and don't want to repeat the process.

A few years ago we had a calm, cold snap with no snow. There was 3"-4" of ice on the lake, and it froze like a pane of glass. You could see the bottom in 7'-8' of water. Really eerie walking on it, like there was nothing under your feet. Fishing sucked because the fish could see everything, but it was really neat walking around looking at what was on the bottom.

I was really hoping for some photos of the first ice catch of the season, but I have to admit that I'm kinda' glad you're waiting a little longer....First ice can be treacherous.

Clear ice may be strong ice, but I hate walking on it.....sooo weird. Give me an inch of snow to settle my nerves!

My view from last weekend. I go thru... I'm cold and wet... less than 3' of water with a solid bottom. IME, falling thru a couple of times, 4" of solid ice is what I need for ice fishing deeper water. With a friend the first time out preferred

Alright mnfish! Did you catch anything?

Unfortunately not much. A couple of small ones but sure did enjoy the coffee and watching the aquarium below. This weekend we will get a little more serious as I think the ice will be pushing 4"

YOY LMB (fat bugger)

The highlight was the look I got from the bait store gal when I told her I needed wax worms because I was going ice fishing! I said something like," oh don't worry honey we got a solid 1 to 1.5" of ice and its not much deeper than 10' " I did tell her the truth before I left as she was truly concerned

Edges are soft still, due to the thermal heat in the soil, but everything around the dock was solid. Good first ice. Smaller ponds lock up earlier, but also thaw much faster as you know. You might not be safe yet...I would not venture onto my upper ponds which are much smaller - not without rope tied to the Tundra.

I love first ice, like walking on aquarium glass. I can see structure for the first time since I placed it 8 years ago - super cool, but super spooky too. It's like walking on air.

We have snow on the ice - about 75% covered. Winds are dying to around 11 this afternoon - will try to get the first pics of the season just for you, Tony! Of course, if you don't hear from me again in this lifetime, you can enjoy that burden on your conscience.

This thread puts the image of Cecil standing on his pier drippin wet with just one boot on in my mind.

As if I'm not burdened enough already.

Be careful out there TJ. I might tie off anyway. You know, just so your not hanging around the afterlife, waiting for me to arrive so you can tell me how it's all my fault.

Bob,

I can assure you I did no standing. The dog and I high tailed into the warm house. Kind of a weird feeling running with one boot.

The thing that really sticks out in my mind is the dog standing on the pier with me in the water with the retractable lease still in my hand. She was looking down at me with a look that said, "What in the heck are you doing down there? Is this dumb **** really my master?"

Gotta wonder sometimes who's walkin who. I'm quite sure my ol Shepard was lots more on the ball than I. Probably better lookin also. Once I was going out to a ritzy island,stopped at a draw bridge when a pretty attractive lady of about my age looked over, smiled very nicely and started waving. I instantly perked up and waved back. Unfortunately she shook her head negatively and pointed to the damned dog. I was crushed !!!

Every time I went through (3 times to be exact, yep I'm that dumb) it always amazed me how quickly my breath was taken away. It is certainly an adrenaline or panic rush once your on top heading for somewhere dry and warm.

We came up with this challenge as kids. A Styrofoam minnow bucket filled with water and snow. Drop a quarter into the bucket. Insert arm into the bucket for a 10 sec count and then try and grasp the quarter. It seems simple enough...give it a try.

Yup, you're going to have a hard enough time as it is trying to explain that HBG thing.

I've given it some thought, and if the HBG are a sticking point I've decided my best course of action is too simply play dumb and say "platypus"

I figure there will be the usual downcast gazes, under breath muttering, and toe-scuffing on the streets of gold, but I'll get a pass.

I think you may be on to something there.....if they seem overly skeptical, just remind them of the time you took your snapping turtle out in the jon boat for a day on the water.

Snapping turtles? Pffft, get with the times, Yolk. Snapping turtles don't carry as much weight as currency/influence as they used to, it's all ball bearings these days.

I don't recall the story unfolding in quite that manner, but there most certainly was a snapper, a jonboat, and some dreadful anxiety involved.

It was kind of you to indulge said snapper, anyhow. If they have any influence in the afterlife, you should be in good shape. Now, if squirrels, raccoons, or bullheads have any sway, I'm likely in a spot of trouble.

I think you've got it backwards, TJ....it was actually the turtle that indulged Sparkie, but only after he warbled a high F and performed some Cossack squat kicks on one of the jon boat seats.

Even a turtle just has to admire a man who can sing and dance like that.

Might one inquire whether that was any alcohol involved?