S9E2 - Wheel Housin with the Olson’s
The Hard Water crew dives into wheelhouse life with returning guests Ole and Kathy Olson. From gas-station cappuccinos, gear talk, new Minnesota regs, and family adventures on the ice, this episode brings laughter, lessons, and plenty of midwestern ice-fishing wisdom.
Quick Recap
In the second episode of Season 9, Jeff and Jason welcome back Ole and Kathy Olson for a fun, wide-ranging conversation about wheelhouses, life on the ice, and all the little details that make winter fishing memorable.
The crew kicks off with a Hard Water Show tradition — beverage talk. Kathy’s running on Diet Coke, Ole sticks to filtered fridge water, Jeff tries a mysterious Hop Cremancer IPA, and Jason tests a Casey’s English Toffee Cappuccino.
From there they roll into early-season ice updates, new Minnesota regulations, and practical wheelhouse wisdom with plenty of laughs (and tangents) along the way.
Topics Covered
Wheelhouse 101 with the Olson’s – Real-world insight from a family that spends serious time in their wheelhouse: what they like, how they use it, and what makes the experience comfortable and fun all winter long.
Early-Season Ice & Trips – Jeff and Jason talk about the first hints of winter, forming ice on tents and roofs, and upcoming plans for Red Lake and cabin weekends up north.
Fact Check & Listener Mail – Patron and Discord member Rupert chimes in to clarify details on the Eskimo 450 XDP hub shack doors and shares a video of his high-powered “snow mutt” hauling a whole train of kids and gear across the ice.
Regulation Roundup – A quick rundown on changing limits for Red Lake walleyes and Mille Lacs perch, plus the latest on Minnesota’s Jaw Jacker rules. (Always check your local regs before you go!)
Gear Talk: Augers & Blades – The crew digs into the relaunch of Jiffy Ice Fishing, their hefty new 60V auger, and how it stacks up with Ion, Eskimo, and Strikemaster. They also talk hybrid chipper/shaver blades, backup blades, and how one sandbar can ruin a perfectly good morning.
Memorable Moments
Jeff comparing his IPA to “a bucket of tannin-stained cabin water” and wondering if “resiny” is really a selling point.
Jason’s gas-station life hack: nest the big Casey’s cup inside a foam one for double-wall insulation (and double the tipping risk).
The hosts joking about Ole and Kathy looking like they’re in a hostage video while the beverage segment stretches on…and on.
Rupert’s snow machine video, earning instant Christmas Vacation vibes as it tows sleds full of kids across the ice.
Future Episodes
Wheelhouse Part 2: Plan a follow-up episode later this season focusing on layouts, storage, and what to look for when buying a wheelhouse.
Red Lake Trip: Firm up dates, check the latest regs and truck/ice restrictions, and prep for a Hard Water adventure.
On-Ice Recording: Explore the idea of recording a live episode from the Olson’s wheelhouse once the ice sets up.
🎧 Listen on Spotify:
Hard Water Fishing Show – Season 9 Episode 2: Wheel Housin’ with the Olsons
Follow Us
Website: hardwatershow.com
Instagram: @hardwatershow
Facebook: Hard Water Show
Email: hardwatershow@gmail.com
