Cal brought up the importance of being safe on new ice in a different post.I thought I would post some information I have put together as well.
Many ice anglers out there, including myself, who just can’t wait for the lakes to skim over and begin to build ice. Once we see that the open water is gone, we impatiently wait for the first “walk-able ice”. Everyone has a different idea of what is “safe” to them and the amount of ice under a person’s feet can vary greatly from one person to the next. I am not going to tell you how much ice is safe to walk or travel on, but instead would like to share a few safety tips with on how to be safe when you’re out on the ice.
The first tip I can recommend is use the buddy system. Ice early in the season is very volatile to having a large range in thickness. By using the buddy system you will have someone there to help you in case you break thru the ice.
The next tip is to be prepared by having the right equipment with you. When you’re heading out on the ice early in the season, you’re going to be faced with some cold temperatures. In return you’re going to bundle up and once if that clothing gets wet, it’s going to get heavy.
Here are a few tools that I carry with me out on the ice.
-Ice picks : You can get these at just about any sporting goods store and there are many varieties. You can also make them by using wood pegs with a spike on one end along with a rope running between the two pegs. You can have these hanging loosely around your neck or you can run them thru your coat sleeves so they are “right there” if and when you need them.
-Lifejacket & Throw able cushion: Now this may sound a bit odd but it makes a lot of sense. If you break thru you’re going to want something to keep you from going under. By using a standard life vest or for less “bulk” using an inflatable life vest you are going to increase your odds of staying about the water and also helping you stay afloat if you do go in. The throw able cushion is another good thing to have, and have plenty of rope tied to it as well. This can be thrown to you or someone in trouble, allowing you to pull them up from a safe distance away.
-Spud bar or chisel: By using this to check ice strength and thickness every “x” number of feet, you will know whether to continue forward or backup and find another route to walk to your fishing spot. A couple good whacks with one of these should tell you whether or not the ice is going to support you in your journey.
-Air horn or whistle: This is a device that you can have with you to alert others that you’re in danger or someone with you is in danger. The noise from either of these should get someone’s attention.
-Cell phone: A person is in the minority if they don’t have a cell phone yet. As in the boat, there are different waterproof cases that you can use to keep your phone free from the water and outside elements. Pelican brand Micro-Cases are a great option and will allow you to make a call for help.
-Ice creepers: These are especially handy when walking on glare ice as they give you extra grip so you don’t end up on your butt or slipping and breaking bone. Last year was a great example of why a person should have ice creepers with them, as we were without significant snow for much of the year. There are many varieties that slip onto your boot and give you the extra traction you need.
This is all gear that will help to keep you as safe as it can while out on the ice. Many companies, like Frabill (www.frabill.com), offer Ice Safety Kits that include the ice picks, creepers and whistle. This gets you a few of the items all in one bundle. Another product is the ELI Jacket(Early & Late Ice) from Strikemaster (www.strikemaster.com), which has a few unique features. It has a buoyancy-assist foam, which won’t make you float but will help to keep your head above water. Each forearm also has an Ice Arm Grip, which is a series of carbide studs to help pull you back up on the ice.
Another tip I would recommend is to talk to your Local Bait Shop or Sporting Goods store. The staff there should have the knowledge to know what lakes freeze up first, what lakes have hidden dangers in them as well as telling you the safest route to your spot. If you’re unfamiliar with the lake you’d like to fish, it may be best to not be the first one out on the ice. No fish is worth risking your life.
As the season progresses, the ice should thicken giving it more strength. Remember though if a lake has springs the ice in those areas may never get too thick. Also, snow cover can affect ice conditions from the very beginning and pose problems for the remainder of the season. Many state Game & Fish websites have charts as well that show what thicknesses of ice are “safe” for different modes of transportation from walking to driving vehicles.
Lastly, teach your kids the importance of ice safety. Many times they don’t understand that the ice needs to be thick to support them. Tell them to only be on the ice if you are with them. Each year it seems that we hear of a child or even a pet, which fell thru thin ice. Water temps are so cold that your body temp drops drastically causing hypothermia to set in. Keep your kids close if you’re outside and again, tell them that they can only be on the ice if you are out there first.
The ice will soon be here as the days and nights continue to get colder. Remember, being safe on the ice is the most important thing. Your family and friends rely on you to take the necessary measures to keep yourself and others with you safe while going out on the ice. I hope these tips will help you to be more prepared as well as get you thinking “safety” when you’re heading out to your favorite fishing spot.
Have a great upcoming Ice Season!
