Dangerous Ice!

[davidhoheisel]

As much as we all want to get out on the ice, this is a dangerous time because of the snow covering the ice.

The ice will not form as fast with the snow acting as insulation. It alsoo can mix into the ice and create a honeycomb/white ice that is not nearly as solid as clear ice.

You must use a spud bar this time a year to make sure you do not end up in the drink.

I believe i have a video up from a few years back where i was spudding a path that someone had already walked over and my spud bar shot right through on the first hit. I was very lucky not to go in.

Please use caution on the ice and carry all you safety gear. Rope with loop on the end so someone can slip over the body. Ice picks to pull yourself out and spare clothes in the car.

Please watch the safety video and it shows you how long you reall have to get out. It could save your life!

Please be safe as we do not want anyone to us!

[ice phisher]

Thank you David.....for this "ICE FISHING SAFETY PROMOTION"....I'm sure people are as tired of hearing about it "as some of us are tired of telling everyone to use caution"....But it's always preached with others in mind"........and there has always been a saying that's been around since I first started ICE FISHING (a long time ago) "THAT NO ICE IS TOTALLY SAFE ICE"....cause it's an unpredictable imminence....

[davidhoheisel]

You are so right. Ice is never safe and we must all use caution.

[pig puncher]

4 inches is when i start. i've fished on 2" of clear, black ice, which i haven't seen in 20 years,(when i was younger and dumber). no fish is worth dying for.

[erierider]

I would agree. The only issue now is this snow pack on top of the little ice we had. Checked several.areas today and the ice was trash and sloppy. I know guys want to get out but good ice may be a little longer due to the insulating of the snow. Good info and keep this in mind before scratching the itch

[slabslayer]

It will come!!  Just need to be patient and wait for it.  The reward will make the wait worthwhile!

[Minnowhead]

This is my take on it.  I wear an Artic Armor flotation suit.  I carry ice picks around my neck.  I even throw a long rope in my sled.  I really enjoy venturing out on the ice and moving around the lake to find the fish, the really big perch and gills.  I use icefishing as a "feel good getaway" so why would I stress myself out on thin ice?  Even with all my safety equip I would not be able to enjoy myself.  I want to know that the ice is safe.  So after waiting two years for ice, I am willing to wait a few days more.  Even with a flotation suit, I still do not want to go through the ice.  If I do go through the ice, my day is over.  I wil not be comfortable on the ice and just go home to dry off. I like to venture all over the lake to find the fish.  If I am restricted to a small bay or cove due to thin ice just to say I got out, really doesn't appeal to me. I see the forecast looks good enough to get better ice by weeks end. My take on this has come about after reading about the guy that went thru the ice on Indian yesterday. He went in up to his waist (the water was deeper, he was able to catch himself before going all in) and he lost all his gear! If we were looking at a warm up behind this cold front, I would understand trying to make the most of it.  Just be safe and get brave when the ice reaches 4+ inches.  My 2 cents.

[slabslayer]

Couldn't agree more!!  I fish the same way.  I was planning on trying Mogadore with my suit and safety gear today, but David H and I talked yesterday and with the guy going in yesterday too it's not worth it.  I don't want to lose my life or all my gear for 1 early season trip where I'd porbably only get dinks anyway.  I've re-scheduled things to try to hit the ice Thursday and Friday if it's ready.  The snow's killed things up here, otherwise Mogadore at Palm Road would be ready.

[Minnowhead]

My buddy is checking Palm and CLR on thursday at 3p.m. I'll post up ice thickness when he finds out.

[slabslayer]

I'll try to check it out too, probably Wednesday.

[Ntoiceman36]

Well said no fish is worth dying for,let's be smart and safe.

[futurestrader]

I will test it tomorrow but think I need to wait for the weekend.

[jumpy]

Like my uncle says"there are two kinds of ice fisherman, those that have gone thru and those that will go thru". He is a wise man.

[Nwohioiceman123]

I was out today on 4 inches of mostly black ice. Walked away from my path about 5 yards and my spud went through with one hit. BE SAFE!

[lowellhturner]

In aviation there is an honored and usually HEEDED saying: "There are BOLD pilots and there are OLD pilots, but almost NO old BOLD pilots...." 1 last thought: CARRY your rope WITH you at ALL times. IF you NEED it, having to run back and get it out of the trunk WON`T help matters...