Staying Ice Free when Ice FishingSometimes we tend to rationalize the dangers of ice fishing, thinking of all of the fun of catching "the big one" after drinking a case of beer with friends while downplaying or omitting altogether the inherent dangers. Life or death situations can and do occur on the ice and often without notice, so it is smart to take a few precautions prior to driving or walking on frozen water. Those who participate in an ice fishing expedition should be in reasonably good physical condition and able to swim or to at least remain comfortable staying afloat. Should an emergency occur, like your fishing partner falling through the ice, your physical condition and their ability to float could be crucial to survival. The ability to remain calm in case of emergency is also highly important. When selecting your ice fishing clothes, consider the elements of cold, wind and snow, and your mobility should you fall into the water. Waders or hip boots can fill with water, creating additional weight, restricting movement and maybe causing you to drown. Waders should be avoided. Waterproof, ankle-length footwear which laces up is a good choice. Keep in mind what would enable swimming and floating with ease when selecting what to put on. By layering your clothing, you retain the ability to lighten yourself easily should the need arise. A wool hat is a necessity to retain body heat and you should remember to wear a life jacket. Check the ice thickness before going out on any frozen lake or river. Ice thickness should be no less than six inches and should be determined in more than one area, as ice thickness can vary. The ice fisherman's rule of thumb is "Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky!". Always go out on foot before driving a vehicle on any ice, probing with an ice chisel in front you. If the chisel goes through don't continue forward. Carefully turn around and go toward shore. Loud booms, bangs and cracks may mean nothing more than contraction and expansion on a lake but, on a river, this may be caused by breakage or movement of the ice. Always be aware of your surroundings when walking on any frozen surface. A group of individuals should proceed in a single file line, leaving about ten feet between each person. Only after an ice cover has been accurately inspected should you drive a vehicle on it. Ice conditions can and do vary from area to another. Before going out on any frozen surface, take time to familiarize yourself with the area and to put simple precautions into place. If you are unsure or don't know about something, ask someone whose experience you trust. Above all, never go out on the ice alone and never go out on any ice where safety is in question. By following these suggestions, your ice fishing expedition is guaranteed to be safe, if not fish-filled. |
||
Fishing Navigation:Fresh water fishing tipsFishing ScentsArtificial bait scentsMore fishing scents Spray on fish scent Strike against Dr. Juice Fishing Smells Fishing TipsBig Walleye tipsNorthern pike fishing tips Gone fishing - more northern techniques and tips for the fishing newbie Ice Fishing TipsIce fishing northern pike and Dr. JuiceIce fishing basics for newbies Needed Ice fishing equipment, gear, tackle and rods Safe ice fishing tips Staying ice free when ice fishing Families and ice fishing fun Misc Fishing ArticlesGPS and FishingTips a fishing newbie can use A short history of fishing Heritage Fishing Lakes and Waters Eelpout fishing and the eelpout festival Catch and Release Fishing Crappie fishing techniques Bass fishing tips, tricks and techniques Fishing With Children Teaching kids to fish Items of InterestFreshwater Fishing Interests, trout, bass and moreSouth Dakota Fishing Forums |