IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Safety => Topic started by: outdoorschris on Jan 13, 2012, 10:46 PM
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If you would or do what do you take and how do you go about things? Would you ride on the ice(atv or snowmobile)?
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99% of the time I go out solo. I rarely go out fishing unless the ice is at least 6 inches thick. Almost always walk out there too. I take my shack, auger, poles, chair, heater, food, drink, and other normal ice fishing things.
Matt
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I fish alone most of the time. I also walk until we get 8-9 inches then I take my utv until I can drive my truck on. I take my shack, heater, food, auger, vex and the rest of the basic stuff. Most days I feel like I am taking the kitchen sink too.
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Ok but walking in 6 in. Of ice what happens when you find a soft spot and fall through?
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Use a spud bar. As you walk out hit the ice with it every couple of steps. This should help you out on seeing if you have good or bad ice.
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Do you have any of the cables that are worn around your neck have the spikes on the end?
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I will admit that I rarely carry any safety items with me. One thing I do to help increase my odds of making it back on shore safely is to make sure I know the lake very well as far as springs or underwater current paths. Plus knowing my luck if I carried those spike things is when I would happen to break through, the spikes would go flying and land just out of reach...lol. I do wear spikes on my boots and if I would ever fall in, I would at least have those to assist me.
Matt
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i did alot until new years eve of this year and i went throught where there was a spring. Now, im really aprehensive about going out alone. if it wernt for a stranger that spotted me and came with a rope and hauled me out who knows where i would be.
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I go alone about half the time. Most of the time its on lakes I know well and am aware of ice conditions. If on a new body of water, I take my time checking the ice with a chisel. I've never gone through ice fishing, but have gone through while trapping and its no fun when you are a mile or more from a vehicle or help! I do carry extra clothes in my vehicle just in case.
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I'm usually going it solo and I'm not to worried about. 99% of the time I'm going for brook trout so If I fall through it'd be 5' or less. My feet will hit bottom. and my head a food and a half above the water. I'll be good.
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More then half my time on the ice is solo. I am wearing floation suit or PFD, carry and use chisel, Have picks handy and family know right where I am going. If I change plan I call. I also am not going out on thin ice. My "thin ice" is far thicker then most. You go solo you are adding to the risk factor, Plan ahead and THINK. Would never encourage anyone to go solo but if you do take your time check the ice as you go and be prepared. Its not always the other guy. Good luck stay safe
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I am 50% 50% on fishing alone. I like fishing alone, so I try to slip away when I can.
It is important to know the body of water and to have plenty of general knowledge about ice. Noobies should not go alone!
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I fish alone quite often, when I'm out at first ice, I chip holes in the ice in front of me as I walk out to make sure there's at least 2" of clear ice. I keep ice picks around my neck, wear a floater suit, and have a throw rope sitting on top of my fish trap, just in case. Once ice hits about 8", then i switch to the snowmobile for the rest of the season. If I'm on an unfamiliar lake, i keep the picks around my neck, and might stop every now and then on the ride out to keep checking ice thickness.
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Solo and at times other than the crowds show. Not much into first ice, leave it to the newbies and fanatics to catch the easy fish. Usually wait for 5"-6" and go after the leftover bigger/better fish. In a "Normal(ish)" winter I usually am still after Deer, 'yotes and small game in December and start hitting the ice in January, This year.......? Will latch up with some of the other oldtimers I'll come across and loosely work together to figure it out. Known some of these guys 40yrs, not sure of their names but on ice we know each other on sight and discuss/trust each other. Not anti-social, do help numerous newbies every winter, just a comfortable/highly effective approach on waters I've fished since the 60s
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I fish alone nearly 100 % of the time.. And I love it !!
I'm in no hurry to get out on 2 inches of ice.. anything less then 4 and I'm fishing close to shore in the shallow water..
I do carry picks early season and If I'm not certain.. I don't go ...
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Never!! Drinking beer alone is boring!
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Never!! Drinking beer alone is boring!
I'm probably the minority on this, But I never drink on the ice or in the boat.. Afterwards I don't mind a few.. I've killed enough brain cells over the years, I need whats left to be operating to their full potential when I'm on the water.. hard or soft..
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Lol thanks for the replys I like the input.
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I'm probably the minority on this, But I never drink on the ice or in the boat.. Afterwards I don't mind a few.. I've killed enough brain cells over the years, I need whats left to be operating to their full potential when I'm on the water.. hard or soft..
I guess I'm with you. Things can go sideways in a hurry and I think a clear head is best. Most people think about themselves when it comes to emergencies but what about the unprepared newbie or anyone that is in need of assistance? You may not be saving your own a$$ is my point.
I do go out most times by myself but I always have a plan, tell my wife and a friend or two. I don't go to uncharted water only places I know. Fishing is a lot of fun with friends but my work schedule allows lots of alone time.
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Most of the time I want to go out, I don't have some one to go with. That's why my question came up. When I go with my dad he likes to go to te same stop and that drives me nuts. I like to switch it up but by doing that I go alone and wanted to know the gear and precaution you take when you guys go alone so that I can practice them also because I like going home at the end of the day! Thanks for the reply
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I go alone 100% of the time. There are a number of things you want to keep in mind. Is there snow on the ice? If not, you can "read" the ice by looking at the cracks. The cracks will give you some idea of the ice thickness.....not in inches.....but if it's just an inch or many inches. Clear black ice is the ultimate risk, unless you spud it to find out how thick it is.....and you'll typically find out it isn't very thick!! Like the guys said, learn your body of water. Talk with others and ask about potential danger spots or characteristics.....th ey'll tell ya.....they don't want to be hauling your *** out later. Following other's tracks isn't fool proof, but if someone just passed that way, you'll likely be OK. If you the first one out and you're alone, you had better have an escape plan.......not just a theoretical one, but one you have tested or proven will work. Hand spikes are a great idea, but once you body has been submerged in that ice cold water, you won't have the strength of a baby! If you doubt me, the next time your town has a "polar plunge" do it and see just how long you can stand being in there, and pay attention how difficult it is to walk out, and imagine trying to pull yourself UP ONTO the ice surface wearing fully soaked carhartts or other coveralls!!! I always go by, "if I think it could be too dangerous, I pass on it so I can go fishing again tomorrow".
ed
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What's the difference between black and clear ice
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What's the difference between black and clear ice
"Black" and "clear" ice are the same. It has few or no air bubbles in it, and is very transparent. The more air that is in the ice, the weaker it gets.
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I'm probably the minority on this, But I never drink on the ice or in the boat.. Afterwards I don't mind a few...
You're not alone.
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Black.....or clear ice is the scariest for me because there is nothing to give you any indication how thick it is.....visually. After a bit, ice usually gets some cracks in it, or perhaps some trapped bubbles percolating up from the bottom, Until that happens, 1/2" looks the same as 6". Course if the ice is covered with snow.......you're really flying blind and much more care is required venturing forth.
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I go out alone sometimes. I only fish a couple bodies of water and know the areas well. I usually don't venture too far off course on the 4 wheeler if there's under 10" of ice or so going back and forth to the shacks.
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I go out 99% of the time alone as well :tipup:
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alone over 85% of the time. next door neighbor, wife (HA), kids (HA HA) and grandkids (HA HA HA) the rest of the time.
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can't pull myself out of the pool with ice picks in the summer time, not much use in the winter.
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last ice, not ashamed to wear a float coat and waders. the waders are to get to the ice and back to shore.
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first ice, usually wait for 3-4'' before taking the quad out. it floats, have pictures to prove it.
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depends on how bad you want to go fishing and what it's worth to you. yes, it could be your life if you mess up.
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the bottom line is there's no such thing as ''safe ice'', just ice that you are willing to risk your life and equipment on.
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I go out probably 90 percent of the time, I can't tell you how or why experiance has taught me pretty much what I can trust. fortunatly I have never been in, and if I did I have hopefully thought and planned on how it would go.
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i did alot until new years eve of this year and i went throught where there was a spring. Now, im really aprehensive about going out alone. if it wernt for a stranger that spotted me and came with a rope and hauled me out who knows where i would be.
It took me a couple of seasons for my on ice apprehension to completely go away after my experience with an under ice spring. That particular time I happened to be fishing with someone else. For the most part I fish alone, and I'm good with that.
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For years I did. Now my sons are grown and come with me. If I did not bring them with they would think some things wrong.
I took them with when ice conditions where good when they where small. I*ce is never 100% safe they where taught that then and witnessed mishaps too. Last winter we lost a friend, he went though near a pressure ridge. He was alone and after dark. Took weeks to find him. Seems in MN that happens very season even when we go with buddy's. Take care.
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I am almost never alone, I have a list of people who enjoy going out but Im the only one with the gear. Doing what I can to change that. Night ice fishing i am usually solo.
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I go out alone about 25% of the time. But that is on lakes I have already been on.
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Im solo probably 95% of the time but that's bc I don't have friends! :'(
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Im solo probably 95% of the time but that's bc I don't have friends! :'(
This is the year buddy, we will actually meet up. This will be nice me not having to supply and setup everything.
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Fish alone quite often, but always try to make good decisions, and not take stupid chances. If I am alone at early ice, I will only fish water where others are fishing.
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This is the year buddy, we will actually meet up. This will be nice me not having to supply and setup everything.
Ik im excited! We can call inHISgrip too! I've got a few ppl on the call list this year!
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I'm 25, been ice fishing for 15 years, and to this day never go alone. Not because of the risks of falling through(though they're constantly in my head) but more so if I fall and break something or fall and hit my head and get unconscious. Other reason is, after long day on ice, coming off, getting into a car with heat blasting, very easy to get comfortable and fall asleep at the wheel(most of my ice fishing is half hour to two hours away) having a second person in the car helps staying awake and if I do get tired then we switch. Plus I do majority of fishing with my dad Who is 62 and we Just make sure be both come home the way we left except with a bigger smile on our face, little wind/sun burn and in Need of a bed or nap desperately.
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Never go alone... fishing alone would be way too boring. Who am I supposed to outfish? ;D
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Three out of four times I go alone since I fish a lot during the day during the week since I work the midnight shift. One the weekends I go with someone. I always take the same things when ever I go out.
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As many others have mentioned, I go out solo majority of the time.. Early season, I'm on foot and I stick to slower moving rivers.. I wont get on anything with a fast current until theres a good 6". Always wear the float suit and ice picks.. (They've been proven to be useful once already..)
Not so much when I'm close to home, but a couple times a year I'll go to Lake Simcoe (about 5 hours from where I live..) and its usually just my dog with me for 3 or 4 days.. For the trips like this I bought a SPOT GPS beacon. Some guys might laugh and say its overkill.. but its waterproof, good in cold temps, and it could save your life.
I always let someone know the general area I'm going to be, and an appx. time I'll be heading in. If the bite is on fire and I'm staying later, I've got my cell and I'll make a call.
As far as gear goes, all my fishing stuff obviously, extra propane for the heater. but I always keep a small floating dry bag tucked away in my sled. In there I keep;
Spare batteries for the flashlight (waterproof and tethered to the dry bag.)
Survival Blanket (tin foil thing..)
Small First Aid Kit.
Granola Bars.
Spare Socks (wet feet suck)
Compass
When in doubt, Spud your way out!
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70 percent alone, 30 percent with my step dad. I wait until there is 4-6 inches before i go out, and i always walk even later in the winter. Last season was the first time in my 18 years of ice fishing that i have ever gone through, stepped on a pressure crack that looked fine but wasnt, was right next to my step dad though, plus knowing the ice was sketchy to begin with we stayed close to shore and it was only waist deep, good plan considering another 50 yards out it drops off to 60-100 feet. Could have been a whole different story out there, was a little gunshy the next two week but really it was my fault for stepping on it. I dont go far from shore if i dont trust the ice even before that incident.
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On Saginaw Bay, never. On Lake St. Clair, most of the time.
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If I can't find anybody to go, I go alone. Have my ice picks and a 6' spud. GOTTA have the spudbar to determine thickness.
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about 50/50 Alone or with someone. I always have my Ice Picks around my neck and I hug the shore-line til I get to an area i want to fish. Then I leave the gear and Spud around to check things out. Drill a couple of Holes too so I can see the ice thickness.
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Most of the time I am alone and I am comfortable with 4 inches of ice. I wear a inflatable life vest (fanny pack style, to make finding my body easier) and I have been thru the ice a few times and I get my own butt out... It is all about what you are comfortable with and how you react when you go thru...
P.S.
It bugs me to no end when people start telling me that, "that is not safe" (what ever I am doing). I am a big boy and I can and will take responsibility for my own actions. If you don't want to go out on thin ice or off shore in a small boat then, please don't, but don't tell me that I can't!
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90% of the time i go out alone. I fish shallow farm ponds most the time.
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90% of the time. If early ice only on waters I know very well and stay in shallow water.
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I am alone most of the time,the lake i fish has 3 ice fishing forums and checking them often keeps you up to date on conditions of the lake,allways wear the right gear early in the season ;).
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I used to go with a couple of people all the time. Then I got tired of them always being late, always having to leave early, always wanting to stop at the bar, the list goes on and on. For the last 25 years ( other than the wife) I have fished alone 100% of the time. Early ice I always have safety equipment with. When ever I am walking or with the ATV I have a PFD on. I like to think I am always in control of my decisions. If something doesn't look right I will wait until the wife is along in case the need for help arises. Solo isn't for everyone. I know plenty of guys that will stay home if 5-6 of their Buddy's can't come along. I just am not one of them.
WS
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I have gone out alone but prefer to go with other people. I find it a lot more fun to go with a group rather then by myself.
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I go out 95% of the time by myself. Mostly because i am off weekdays and no one i know fishes let alone ice fishing. I enjoy going solo most of the time. Gives me time to clear my mind and i love the peace and quiet. Every once in awhile i wish i was with someone but other then that i enjoy it solo.
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About 50/50 . If I do go alone I tell someone where I'm going and when i'll be back , if going to be longer I call.
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I often fish in a group simply because we all are on the fish. If I find them then I share. My other friends are the same way. Often I am alone especially when scouting for some new fish. I drive my wheeler when the ice is good and always wear my Arctic Armour, picks and carry a cell phone. I keep a spud bar on the wheeler or on the sled when I am walking.
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I fish bymyself probly 90% of the time, I wont go out until I see others around standing close. Thats my sihnal I guess. I have this app on my phone called cabelas recon fishing, I use this also to determine where channels, paths of current, any other things I can spot. This is great for new never fished lakes. otherwise I really dont worry about it until the ice warms and dark spots appear after the snow melts
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Very often alone. Usually meet up with someone on the ice though. I have one bud that we do this often. Call each other with our plans for the day and often meet up. We both use ATVs most of the time. Early ice, I'm fishing in 6 to 8 FOW.
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I fish quite often alone most of my guys I fish with are still working as I'm retired
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rarely will i allow myself to be tied down by another. a spud is mandatory till i got 6 inches of ice. i aim to start out on 3 inches but it seems im on 2 just about every year. i am a little crazy though, i get dropped off by a cab about 15 miles from the closest town. if i go in im done! but hey thats part of the fun!!!
really tho just have a spud and fish early ice in spots you know till you got 5-6 inches then get moving around.
ohhhh yeah i only walk where i fish so i bring all i need in my sled. if it will not be too heave and fits in the cab then it goes. you never know what you will need to bring until you dont have it. thats how you learn what to have...
good luck, feel safe, if you dont move in!!! its that simple.
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usually try to buddy up. this year, tho, my buddy moved up north, so this season, fishing alone. have fished with a couple of other guys toward the end of last season, hope to hook up with them again this year. spikes, rope with a boat bumper attatched and knotted at the other end. spud bar. this year, also have arctic armor bibs. have also gone out with inflatable life vest
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I am another loner for the most part, although I have been informed by my daughter that she no longer works weekends! Sounds like I have a steady partner on the ice for this year. Out of 5 kids, she is my truest fisherman, and already thinking about the ice this coming season. I can't wait!
+1 to the mind set of leaving the beer at home. I don't risk drinking and driving ever, it's just not worth it.
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95% by my self
in 2011 I almost Died along the side of a road due to a slip and fall on ice [body core temp 86 degrees]
so to me it does not mater were your at
wen its your time, well..live life to the fullest
use all the proper gear and don't be stupid going on thin early ice... let some one know your time frame and were your at
SnoHam13
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Almost always alone. I like to stay mobile and drill holes.. no shelter (even on the worst days).. I have a perticular way I like to do things and am not good at setting up camp and waiting. Always run and gun. If I found another fisherman that works the same way I would fish with them, but most guys I know like to setup camp. Nothing wrong with that at all, just not for me..
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i go alone maybe 50/50. I finally got a Striker floaty suit - i don't pucker quite as bad now. I carry picks with me and have a rescue throw bag in the gear sled.
there's nothing like sitting out there alone in the early morning quiet, snow falling, sun coming up, peaceful... - SCRATCH THAT, FLAG!!! :tipup:
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I go alone most of the time. I usually have the area scouted out pretty well. One thing I do is pack along a 50 foot rope with a dog dummy tied on the end. Not so much for me but for the dump asses I see out there on early ice.
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I to am solo...One thing I do is take a length of rope and a few pole barn spikes..Drive one in at an angle
and hook your rope to it ,just in case you need it...Take the length of rope out with you....it might save you...But like others have said..I like at least 5 inch's or more...And I usually fish the shallow ponds or swamps as well.......
???
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never , :nono: unless more than 6 inches of good ice
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never , :nono: unless more than 6 inches of good ice
Same here.
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i usually try to take a buddy, but sometimes a solo trip is something i just have to do.
i always take rope, ice picks, a PFD, and i tell at least five people where i'm going and how long i plan to be there. you don't have to tell five people, but due to a previous incident where both of the two people i told completely forgot that i had gone fishing; i like the extra insurance.
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I fish alone around home most of the time, 1; cause I hate people, 2; no one likes to be out on a lake at 11:00 at night on 3 inches of ice.
I wear a float suit, have picks and usually have a 300 foot climbing rope anchored to shore, a few points in the ice and finally to me. Allways spud my way to anywhere I'm going. A spud WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE !
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Most of the time I'm alone. Like nightfisher, I hate people. I am very comfortable on my "home" water that I grew up on. It gets very little pressure so I have about 200 acres to my self. If I'm on one end and someone treks down to the other end it bugs me. It's spring fed so when other lakes nearby have two feet of ice this one has maybe a foot in good spots and down to 3 or 4 in other spots. About 20 years ago we had a cold snap of -15 and below temps for almost a month and there were spots that lost ice from one day to the next. It has a reputation for having sketchy ice and locally the sentiment is to stay off of it until myself or one of my brothers is out there. For this reason I seldom drive on it because once someone sees tire tracks on a lake they think they can go anywhere...and people are lazy. No tire tracks, they go somewhere that they can drive on the ice. It's a win/win... I get my exercise and they leave me the hell alone...hehehehe.
I always take a spud but nothing else that is extraordinary in terms of safety once the ice gets good. When I first check it I will wear a life jacket and tie about 300 feet of rope around my waist which is tied to the back of my truck. Since the 1940's my family (grandpa, dad, brothers, myself) have kept written records of when it freezes up, what areas stay open later, amount of snow, mid-winter thaws, ice-out, what areas open up first, etc. With 70 years of data it's become easier to predict what spots are going to give you issues throughout the season.
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Ice fishing is one thing I am very hesitant to do alone. I won't say I never will, but for right now I always have someone else go with.
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I go alone but know the lakes well and where the ice is the best
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Go alone most of the time and tell a few people where I am gonna be.i like going alone.
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I go alone quite a bit. Always take my spud bar w me on early ice and on lakes I don't fish that often.
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At times I fish totally alone but most times there's other people in the area on the lake.
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I like to go out with a few people, watch some flags, cook out and have a few pops but if I am going out to strictly jig for a day I usually go out alone so I can stay mobile and move when I think it's time to move. And also if I get skunked I won't have anyone mad at me ha
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I have fished both with others and alone. Alone is way better. I have a float suit and hand picks at all times. Love the early, mid and late ice and like to go whenever I can, not when somebody else can. I do enjoy company from time to time but only if I trust them to be on time and prepared to hit it hard.
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it's been a while since i last saw this thread, so i'm gonna update.
i don't fish alone as much any more, cuz i finally picked up a fishing buddy who will go out with me more often, and my father now fishes with me more often because i keep all the gear we'll need in my car, so it becomes less of a hassle for him to get packed and ready.
unfortunately my fishing buddy is heading out for basic training the end of this month, so i see a lot more solo trips in the future.
i still carry picks and rope, but i stopped bringing the PFD because it took up so much space. at the beginning of every season i watch a few self-rescue videos so i can have the knowledge of what to do fresh in my mind if i do go through.
last year the ice was awful, and i actually had a day where the ice went from being 4 inches thick to being 2 inches thick in the span of a few hours. we got off safely, but i can say for sure that if we had stayed out any longer, someone would have gone through. that made me really jittery this season and it took a while for me to get my ice legs back. i'm still nervous about fishing anything with less than 5 inches of ice, and i'm checking the thickness constantly.
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Alone most of the time! I have been a little more social and meeting up with others to fish. I took a saltwater fishing buddy out on the ice for his first experience. He is loving it! He came back for a second day, he got 1 togue each time out! Guess I won't be fishing alone as much.
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You need to bring a spud anytime you are worried about ice thickness. Punch your way out and stop if you punch through. Also get those spiked safety hand pics you wear around your neck that you can stab into the ice so as to pull yourself out of the hole. Also attach a long say 50 foot or longer cord type rope to your gear sled and then if you go in someone nearby can usually get to your sled and pull you out if you have remembered to looped the rope over one arm. Then wear a life jacket.
Marginal ice is typically found where springs , runoff or stream currents enter the lake. Shorelines, emergent vegetation, rocks and docks can all reflect sunlight and weaken the ice. If you watch the ice form on the lakes you want to fish you will see the warmest water freeze last and thaw first.
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i do go alone although people who know me know im not alone :angel you first cant count on a stranger helping you, you need to be prepared to get your self out. i thought about a accident heart attack etc. well guys die the woods all the time,its part of living the most important thing is your salvation... just sayin
GOD BLESS
mo
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ice around here is hit and miss a lot of the time. unless there is 6 inches of good ice and has not been up and down with the temp then it is always with somebody. some years we get to fish some years we don't. there are a lot of years if you are not comfortable on 3 to 4 inches of ice then you don't get to fish. experience is crucial down this far south. you have to know your ponds the ones that are spring fed and ones that are not.
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I go alone all the time unless I take the kids.
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I go alone about half the time because of my work schedule.
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Yep. watch yer step and mind your self-rescue skills.
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I go out for miles on lake Erie, alone, even at night..
I like to think I'm prepared, and have my radio and faith..
I seem to catch more fish, and have actually met some great folks that have become fishing pals of mine..
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