Went ice fishing in front of cabin (Cumberland WI) last Friday night. Had 2 buddies with me. Didn’t get out until after 7 pm (dark). Walked out from shore. There was some slush but not too bad. Drilled first hole and had 7 inches. Second hole was also 7 inches. One of my buddies was from FL and had never been on the ice before. He was scared to step foot off shore. We assured him it was safe once we drilled first 2 holes. I had 4 more holes to drill and had a crappy light. Was carrying auger (still running) and stepped into a hole (covered by about an inch of ice). It was over 15 ft of water. Talk about unexpected. I’ve stepped in ice fishing holes multiple times and this was much different. My left leg went way down, not stopping like it would if it were an ice fishing hole. I hit the edge of the ice above my hip and my left arm was able to grab the edge of the ice under my arm pit. Not sure how far my right leg went in. I was able to roll onto the ice. My auger was spinning in circles a little ways away. I don’t think I could have got any wetter. Needless to say, I was done ice fishing for the night. I took the picture of the hole the next morning and the picture of the bruise today (a week later). Talk about feeling very fortunate. I’m guessing the hole was about 4 or 5 ft across. It looks like there were multiple cracks that intersected and possibly all the snow melt funneled through this spot? My buddy from FL didn’t know what to think. 
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That could have Bad in the worse way.
That could have Bad in the worse way.
