IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Twelvegaugepump on Sep 04, 2022, 12:15 PM
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My father-in-law has balance issues due to brain cancer. He is excited to get back out ice fishing this year after surgery and chemo these past two seasons. I am going to be looking for places that are easy to walk out. I am thinking of getting him some walking poles and ice cleats for stability. Do any of you have any recommendations on what to get? Thanks in advance.
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Sorry to hear about your father-in-law…
My suggestion would be the cleats and a walker for the best stability if there isn’t any snow cover on the ice. With snow, the cleats and trekking poles might be the better option.
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I have seen Smitty sleds that incorporate a seat and handles in back for stability. Kind of like a walker for the ice. That is what I would build to help him out on the ice.
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I have a smitty both push and pull, pushing if he has the strength , if he has coordination issue poles could be bit of a problem as I’ve had 2 friends that had this terrible disease and have seen the issues they had to over come
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I too have stability issues due to a "dead leg" from spinal issues and destroyed ACL/MCL in that same knee. What worked for me was 1/2" #6 stainless hex-head sheet metal screws put into the lugs on my boots. Cheap and easy, come right out if they don't work for ya. Just don't wear 'em on a wood floor.
XC ski poles would be a good bet for him. They have a different tip and no "basket". (I was a XC skier for years)
(https://i.postimg.cc/w7rCPc8R/boots.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w7rCPc8R)
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Kold kutter racing spikes on my boots ,16 in each pack boot , my trans Alaskans have 21 each , providing you want a designated ice boot
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Sorry to hear about Dad , but you can never break the spirit of a true slushie.
I would go w/ crampons & 2 walking sticks w/ the 4 post style bottoms .
I prefer the 17 spike cleats but after the water hits em , they develop ice balls in the arch & ya gotta do the twist to break em up..
Swift Tines
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My suggestion for cleats ..More then likely in size XL
https://www.amazon.com/KEEPBLANCE-Upgraded-Crampons-Traction-Climbing/dp/B08NCBW932/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=10JYNG0M869LL&keywords=KEEPBLANCE+Upgraded+24+Spikes+Ice+Grips&qid=1662374384&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=keepblance+upgraded+24+spikes+ice+grips%2Csporting%2C136&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1
Have to agree with the Smity sled option ..lots of good ideas and design options can be found below
https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=103927.0
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I have never felt more confident on the ice with Kahtoola MicroSpikes. You may want to try a pair of Trekking Poles with carbide tips?
May want to ask his Oncologist and a Physical Therapist for advice, they will do what they can to make things happen for your Father-in-law if it is possible.
Thoughts and Prayers are with your Father-in-law, you, the family and friends...
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Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions and kind words and thoughts. Life is short. Make the most of the time you have.
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Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions and kind words and thoughts. Life is short. Make the most of the time you have.
Yup. No truer words ever spoken. I refuse to give in to all the political rhetoric and other negative bullcrap. I've lived too long and worked hard to not enjoy what time I may have left. Fridge is full...bills are paid...wife is happy. No reason to be pissed (grumpy). I make my own bed...and it's comfy. Sorry...not sorry... for getting off topic. ;)
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Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions and kind words and thoughts. Life is short. Make the most of the time you have.
If you live in S.E. Michigan, P.M me & I can give ya some short launch walks that'll put ya on da fish pretty quick.
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Thanks Ronnie D. Northeast WI is home for us. If anyone has any suggestions within an hour or two of Appleton on easy walk out launches, I am all ears! Thanks again everyone.
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The older Me and my fishing buddies get, I worry about them more and more.
I think more about getting them off the ice if there is a health problem.
Last season I was thinking of throwing everything out of my Jet sled to haul my friend to shore.
Each season we don't walk as far or as fast. Hate getting old!
So for your situation, maybe a chair in a jet sled to pull him out on the days with little snow?
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I've always been a crouch down on the ice guy. Not anymore. The knees won't have it. Gonna learn to fish standing up. I hope. Anyway, I'm building something similar to this minus the seat. But, this could be something you and your father in law could use...some stability, haul some gear and a place to sit. Good luck in whatever you do. Yup...getting old sucks.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3yKjgMJ7/20220908-073210.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yKjgMJ7)
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The older Me and my fishing buddies get, I worry about them more and more.
I think more about getting them off the ice if there is a health problem.
Last season I was thinking of throwing everything out of my Jet sled to haul my friend to shore.
Each season we don't walk as far or as fast. Hate getting old!
So for your situation, maybe a chair in a jet sled to pull him out on the days with little snow?
This is may early/late ice set up ...using a Jet Sled 1 and director chair ...I have since changed the chair from a half back to a full back ..much better ...adding hyfax is probably a good idea as is a longer rope .
(https://i.postimg.cc/sBcgVk4D/20210321-163755.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBcgVk4D)