early ice report

[icebadger]

It is official the icebadger is out of his den and was out on the cong today. There was 3 to 4 inches of ice on the right side of the state park area. I fished for 3 hours and got one perch. There was five other fishermen out as well they were getting small sunnies, perch and some slime darts nothing to big but good to see fish on the hardwater. with this week bringing warm temps we will see some melting going on so be REAL CAREFUL if you venture out on the ice anywhere you go. there was guys out on lake musconetcong as well. i would think that places in the far northwest part of the state will have better ice as we get into the new year.

[Cape Cod]

Seen guys on budd lake and cranberry lake today. Too aggressive for me with the rising temps today. But good luck and stay safe ��

[bunker dunker]

way to get it started badger!!!!come on cold weather!!!

[NJSquatch]

2 guys fell through on Budd this weekend. They have ice eaters under the docks on the beach that open up the area were people get on.

Just because you see people out on the ice do not assume it is safe! Early ice is for us nut jobs that just can't sit at home.

Always wear your safety gear.

[Andrushkin33]

Originally Posted by icebadger

It is official the icebadger is out of his den and was out on the cong today. There was 3 to 4 inches of ice on the right side of the state park area. I fished for 3 hours and got one perch. There was five other fishermen out as well they were getting small sunnies, perch and some slime darts nothing to big but good to see fish on the hardwater. with this week bringing warm temps we will see some melting going on so be REAL CAREFUL if you venture out on the ice anywhere you go. there was guys out on lake musconetcong as well. i would think that places in the far northwest part of the state will have better ice as we get into the new year.

You should of stopped by and said hello. Was toward the other shore having some fun on tip ups. No fish till 11 am and then finally perched moved in. All were on shiners with some decent size mixed in.

Squatch,

Was one of those. Just trying to see how the water was and if there was any fish out there. Plus Eddie asked for some swimming lessons so I had to oblige. Being able to laugh abut it now is one thing but on more serious note that bubbler out there is wrecking havoc. Hopefully this will be the only incident this season but something tells me it wont.

Stay safe everyone.

Andre

[Jigman13]

Got 3 kids to take care of so 2" ain't happening. Plus I fractured my wrist 3 days ago so I'm shelved 4 to 6 weeks.

Dont be stupid guys. A 10" perch or 14" pickerel ain't worth the risk. You can fish central and south jersey open water and catch that shit from the bank without risking hospitalization or worse, death.

[icebadger]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

Got 3 kids to take care of so 2" ain't happening. Plus I fractured my wrist 3 days ago so I'm shelved 4 to 6 weeks.

Dont be stupid guys. A 10" perch or 14" pickerel ain't worth the risk. You can fish central and south jersey open water and catch that shit from the bank without risking hospitalization or worse, death.

I always use common sense when look at the ice. I test it with a spud bar and then look at the cracks to see if they have air pockets or they are wet. Also the guys already out were bigger then i am. I had only the bare necessities a jig rod ,spud bar,pfd,and a bucket with rope in it. i did not venture far from shore. The deeper water did not have safe ice only the 3 to 5 fow had 4" and the further away from shore was thinner. Shade is good when you have pine trees growing near the shore the ice gets thick faster there. You always have to be aware of the danger ice presents no matter if it is early or late ice. The ice i chipped out of the hole was good black ice on Sunday.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Get em’ Badger! You’ve been hibernating for a while. Hope all is well. Hoping to
see you out there soon. FLAGGGGGGG!!!

[Mikey topaz]

Great to see ya back in action badger!