Hardwater Hodags compete at state

On Saturday Feb. 17 the Hardwater Hodags High School Ice Fishing Team participated in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Ice Fishing Association (WIFA) state tournament. The 130-team event was scheduled to be held on the Mississippi River in La Crosse but due to poor ice conditions it was moved to a virtual event with teams allowed to fish any public body of water throughout the state.

Despite frigid temperatures and brutal wind, the Hodag team was rewarded with some remarkable catches during their 8 hours on the ice, according to a school district press release.

 Fishing rocks, cribs and mud flats they were able to ice larger than average smallmouth bass up to 19 inches, perch up to 14.5", crappies up to 14.25", walleye up to 24" and Northern pike up to 26" The statewide results were not immediately available but the team was pleased with the quality of their fish. Hardwater Hodag team members include senior Ryan Morien, junior Alex McMillian, junior Kelsi Beran, and freshmen Drayke Arrowwood and Chase West. 

The team is coached by Adam Schmidt and Mike Wojtusik.