Author Topic: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion  (Read 10917 times)

Offline Sprocket

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After reviewing all my gear and thinking about when I got what I came to the conclusion that the safety stuff was actually acquired last.  I'll just file it under "**censored** was I thinking?"

Top 5 items for safety on the ice:

Ice picks:
I know a guy that makes them by the dozen using clothes lines, broom handles and finish nails.  He hands them out freely to all on the pond and has a vintage set he made as a boy (he's under 60) and has used them many times - loves to skate, hates to drown.

I got a couple pairs from the bargain bin at the end of a season

Budget = $10 or under/set.

Use: Individual - every person on the ice should have a pair.  Bonus if they are fed through your coat like mittens used to be (hand warming gear, not the cat...)

Spud Bar:
Homemade ice chisel to test thickness - simple, fancy, cheap, antique, vintage - poking holes in ice is the task.  Reading the ice is a little different but most topics on the use of a spud do little to tell you how.

Budget = $20 min for a home-built

Use: Per party - lead man uses it to ID the paths

Throw Rope:
I'm seeing a lot of DIY threads now that I look but there are a lot of sources for ready to use units available at various sources.  I'm sure any marine store will have them and the DIY kits have a lot of tips to make one easily.

Budget = $20 min for enough to make a very trust-worthy throw bag.

Use: Per party - although having one per pair or trio of party members.  Everyone should know where this item is and it should be prominent and easy to get to.  If you have a sled, there should be an obvious spot for it.

The last items:
Ears and a nose - Those are for freezing off but it's really what's between them that is most important - use your brain.  Think, don't sink.

Budget: Free (usually)

Use: Frequently - if the ice sounds funny, it's probably not a joke.

Having said all that:
Mods - sticky as you wish and/or add links to support this thread.  I'm sad to see only one sticky thread in safety forum.

All - please discuss and add great information as you all do

Cheers
Trust me, when the Zamboni driver says "You won't catch fish through that hole", he knows of what he speaks.

Offline Van_Cleaver

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #1 on: Jan 22, 2017, 11:32 AM »
Knowledge; weather in particular. I keep the NOAA 7day forecast bookmarked for areas I tend to fish and watch it carefully before going out. Gives you a real insight for how the edges and main cake might be holding up, refreezing etc. Also handy if you have a choice of days to fish. Personally I don't enjoy frostbite, (only happened once ice fishing) so I tend to avoid days with high winds and really frigid temps. Naturally if you have a shack it is less of an issue.

Offline MT Tag Filler

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #2 on: Jan 24, 2017, 09:45 AM »
Before I head out on the ice I check my arsenal. I have narrowed down my 5 items.
1) cold beer
2) ice tent
3) propane heater
4) rod/tackle/bait
5) chair
The number 6 recently acquired for the arsenal is my new hook 3x I have yet to be able to try! Damn college will back you up till your brain wants to explode. As long as I have the top 5 loaded up in the sled then I am ready for a day away on the water not thinkin about workin or school.
Tight lines, flags up, and be safe out there!

Offline lpilon

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #3 on: Jan 25, 2017, 03:26 PM »
usually more than 5, but here we go:

1) tip-ups / jigging poles
2) lively shiners
3) warm coats / mittens (no tent / heater)
4) auger w/ sharp blades
5) ice conditions
6) jack daniels anti-freeze

A cold day of fishing is better than a lot of other days!

Offline atholmike

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #4 on: Mar 11, 2017, 09:45 PM »
My top 3 things that I ALWAYS TAKE are on the ice
#1 Ice picks
#2 spud bar. Which has multiple uses
#3 a boat bumper attached to 50 ft of rope with a Caribiner or quick link.
I have gone through the ice once and IT SUCKED BIG TIME
Stay safe my friends

Offline beershanty

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #5 on: Mar 11, 2017, 10:08 PM »
Safety gear eh? #1 my fat ugly lil brother to check the ice #2 a harpoon gun to retrieve his fat a$$ should he find a thin spot #3 a change of clothes or old sheet for him to wrap up in so he can check the next spot #4 all my ice fishing gear ;D #5 an extra 12 pack, it wont go to waste
Just roll me up and smoke me when I die

Offline slipperybob

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #6 on: Dec 25, 2017, 12:18 AM »
Thinking about this is usually about first ice...
Floatation... I will wear that life vest when I'm daring.  Not so daring anymore.
Sharp point...ice pick, survival knife, hex lag eyebolt, ninja climbing claws.
Cleats, crampons... crampons for the real deal, but ice cleats or any thing even barbed wire will aid in slip prevention.
Dress in layers... better with thermal clothes for cold and wet environment. Wet suit on ice.
Water proof something...Ziploc bag...wallet, smartphone, spare clothes...
For more information read my MN nice journal

Offline Ice Scratcher

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #7 on: Dec 25, 2017, 12:31 AM »
Erie..

1) Gps
2) backup GPS running also..
3) Compass
4) Perseverance
5) Ice Shanty (this site)

Merry Christmas!

<°)))>{

Offline nocod

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #8 on: Dec 26, 2017, 09:17 PM »
1-fishing  license
2-spud
3-rod and jigs
4-bucket
5-auger
 :)

Offline oldsCOOL

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #9 on: Dec 26, 2017, 09:29 PM »
1. Running auger
2. My otter lodge
3. Poles
4. Bait
5. Propane for my Mr. Heater
6. Charged up vexlar

Offline IceholeHEN

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #10 on: Dec 27, 2017, 08:14 AM »
1. Fishing license
2. Spud and picks
3. Fishing partner
4. Bait and jigs
5. Lunch
To catch them all…you gotta catch them small

Offline floatafly

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #11 on: Dec 27, 2017, 06:38 PM »
1 - license
2 - ice pics
3 - cleats for boots
4 - fishing gear
5 - fishing partner

Offline VDueslerIV

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #12 on: Dec 27, 2017, 06:41 PM »
1) license
2) tip up/jig pole either one
3) auger
4) bait
5) ice pics
that aughta do me for a minimalist trip out on the ice.
“Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a shanty, jig and drink beer all day. ”

Offline slipperybob

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #13 on: Jan 06, 2018, 11:58 AM »
Middle of season and driving truck/vehicles on ice - safety items check.

1. Jumper cables..you might need them or someone might need yours
2. Tire chains/cable...deeper snow traction and control, just never know if nature decided to dump 16" or more snow while you're out there or on way to/from ice fishing
3. Tow strap/recovery strap...you may help someone who's drifted off road, or in need of it.
4. Shovel, not just a snow shovel...snow drift
5. Some spare heavy duty rug/matts...helps a lot getting it under the wheel.
For more information read my MN nice journal

Offline slipperybob

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #14 on: Oct 16, 2019, 09:29 PM »
Another year...another season is coming up.

So I've added to my safety/comfort list

1. First Aid kit...always never know
2. Pocket torch or lighter
3. Spare heat source...more like the emergency kind
4. Survival blanket and floor mat. 
5. Water and ration.

Do I over think...yes.  Better to be comfortable than miserable.
For more information read my MN nice journal

Offline SirCranksalot

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #15 on: Oct 16, 2019, 10:14 PM »
Throw rope!!
Keep yer stick on the ice!

Offline WALL E GATOR

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Re: Top 5 items to have before going out on the ice - a discussion
« Reply #16 on: Feb 14, 2020, 11:52 AM »
saftey gear
on ice
1. float suit
2. ice picks
3. spud bar
4. throw rope
5. buddy

at truck
1. first aid with Israeli Bandages, if your bleeding bad these have best chance to get it stopped
2. change of clothes, warm blanket
3. handwarmers,
FISH ON! and Tight Lines

 



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