Author Topic: Safe Ice Guide / Ice Safety (Read 6209 times)

HTguy · « **on:** Dec 23, 2011, 08:10 PM »

What are the safety steps you should take when you get to the lake and nobody is out there?

This will be my first year going out, I appreciate any help.

fshnfool · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 23, 2011, 08:21 PM »

1st thing you wanna make sure if you're new to the sport, is use the buddy system and don't venture out alone. 2nd thing is to read up on as much information that you can find on ice safety.

here's a good start....>>>CLICK HERE<<<

Snowfun · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 23, 2011, 08:23 PM »

Quote from: HTguy on Dec 23, 2011, 08:10 PM

What are the safety steps you should take when you get to the lake and nobody is out there?

This will be my first year going out, I appreciate any help.

Don't go alone this early in the season if possiable. Check the ice thickness as you go, leave your gear on shore until you know what you are dealing with. If you go through fishing solo it doesn't take long in cold water and your in trouble. I don't think you can be too cautious ice fishing. Stay safe.

TheDL · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 23, 2011, 08:25 PM »

Welcome to a great place to learn all about ice fishing HTguy!

1st year on the ice DON'T GO ALONE. Seriously, you will learn a lot if you go with someone who's experienced and the buddy system is a good one for safety!!!

surflizard · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 23, 2011, 08:27 PM »

Get a chisel to check the ice with !!

The Rusty Crab · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 23, 2011, 09:00 PM »

Where are you located I'm sure there is a veteran on the site that would show you how to ice fish but not there honey hole. lol

allextremesfishing · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 12:14 AM »

if your near me id be more than willing to hit the hard water wth you and show you a few things.....

fishingsurveyor · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 04:29 AM »

Like Fishnfool says read up and take a buddy. Grad a spud bar (chisel to check ice as you go) If you go by yourself let someone know where you are going and what time you be back. Depending on where you live the conditions now are on the sketchy side in the southern end of the state IMO so tread carefully and use common sense

Harlow · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 06:21 AM »

I definitely agree to take a buddy with you when it's your first time out. It's better to take someone with lots of expirience as well.

Not saying this is the right method, but when I get to a pond, I always check the ice right on shore, then as I walk I hit the ice with the chisel in front of me once every two steps. If I go through in one hit I check the thickness again.

Always worked for me and the previous generations of my family back to the great-great-greats.

Hoppes · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 07:06 AM »

Welcome to IS HTGuy. 99% of the time others will be on the ice. Doesn't hurt to look for recent ice fishing holes. If you're not familiar with the ice you're fishing on take your time getting to where you want to fish. Some lakes have spring holes that keep the water flowing and one minute you're on 6 inches of ice, the next 1/2" so it pays to keep a watchful eye on the ice. Like the members said, ice chisel whacking the ice every few feet to be safe. So glad you are taking up ice fishing. Looking forward to seeing your posts this winter and keeping the rest of your new friends aware of how the season is going for you. Best of luck and tight lines. Hoppes

3beagles · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 07:20 AM »

Good advise from these guys. I would also add, that you buy an Artic Armor fishing suit. Then, if the worst happens at least you won't sink like a stone. You might think of it as a little pricey, but, how much is you LIFE worth to you and your loved ones?
Mike

rude the dude · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 07:25 AM »

Wear Ice cleats on glare ice.

TinyTim · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 07:37 AM »

Doesn't hurt to carry ice picks with ya too, if ya do go through, it will help ya get out faster.

kevinmaine3 · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 09:31 AM »

buddy system, and a 100ft of rope.
HT, where are you from? There is alot of people here that will meet up for a afternoon or day on the ice.

bee · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 09:45 AM »

I fished this morning. No fish and i was alone. Had the chisel and picks. COLD

HTguy · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 01:15 PM »

I have a skimmer that is metal and on the other end is a ice chisel. Is that heavy enough to check the ice thickness?

hawgzilla · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 01:21 PM »

Quote from: HTguy on Dec 24, 2011, 01:15 PM

I have a skimmer that is metal and on the other end is a ice chisel. Is that heavy enough to check the ice thickness?

I'd say no. Ideally you need a full size ice chisel; hit the ice in front of you to check for thickness. If you punch it down and it goes through in one shot, you 're on thin ice...back up. The chisel I have has a 6' handle and weighs about 10lbs.

Harlow · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 01:33 PM »

Quote from: HTguy on Dec 24, 2011, 01:15 PM

I have a skimmer that is metal and on the other end is a ice chisel. Is that heavy enough to check the ice thickness?

Uh... I suppose... but I think you'd break it fairly quick and it will take forever.

A descent chisel is like $40 brand new, and in yard sales I've picked em up for $5.

http://www.drpower.com/prdSell.aspx?Name=ice_chisel

Also, I like to use a scoop with a measurement on it so you can accurately tell how thick the ice is.

rude the dude · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 24, 2011, 05:31 PM »

Quote from: HTguy on Dec 24, 2011, 01:15 PM

I have a skimmer that is metal and on the other end is a ice chisel. Is that heavy enough to check the ice thickness?

you want a skimmer with a hook on the end, then if you pike fish you can use it to Hook em up threw the hole so you can kill them.

HTguy · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 25, 2011, 02:55 PM »

Thanks everyone for the information, it helped me out.

hawgzilla · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 25, 2011, 02:57 PM »

Quote from: rude the dude on Dec 24, 2011, 05:31 PM

you want a skimmer with a hook on the end, then if you pike fish you can use it to Hook em up threw the hole so you can kill them.

I would think that would be considered a gaff...for ice fishing that's highly illegal. Practice catch and release thank you.

allagashking · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 25, 2011, 03:01 PM »

Quote from: rude the dude on Dec 24, 2011, 05:31 PM

you want a skimmer with a hook on the end, then if you pike fish you can use it to Hook em up threw the hole so you can kill them.

arnie agrees

rude the dude · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 25, 2011, 03:59 PM »

Quote from: hawgzilla on Dec 25, 2011, 02:57 PM

Practice catch and release thank you.

Do what you want, I'll kill.

woodchip · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 25, 2011, 06:47 PM »

Walked out over 8' of water on a small pond in cumberland and cut a test hole in the ice and measured 4"of ice 3.5 of blue ice 1/2"of snow ice a couple of more nights of cold and we should have close to 6" . I plan to fish the first of jan.

Clearwater · « **Reply #24 on:** Dec 26, 2011, 01:24 PM »

Hoping for no needless accidents this year! Be safe!!

woodchip · « **Reply #25 on:** Dec 26, 2011, 01:47 PM »

Join Date: Feb 2010

Re: Who has ice?

« Reply #36 on: Today at 06:12 AM »

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Maine ice fishing season has begun ,Because of all the rain along the Eastern season We all should take into consideration that moving water don't freeze .Early morning areas will skim over and with light snow it all looks the same .Make sure we stay out away from brooks rivers Narrows between two bodies of lakes. Know the lake or be sure you are with someone that is familar with the area. When lakes are high and freeze they drop in level along shore lines which places air pockets around the total perimeter of lakes be careful and enjoy.

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woodchip
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Location: Cumberland ctr.
Join Date: Feb 2010

Re: Who has ice?

« Reply #37 on: Today at 06:18 AM »

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I might add that ice with air under is much weaker than ice on water. Lot of people and later vehicles break tru in these areas beacuse of these pocket areas.

LostOne · « **Reply #26 on:** Dec 27, 2011, 06:32 AM »

Thought maybe some of you would like to read this.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/ice/dangerthinice.pdf

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Author Topic: Safe Ice Guide / Ice Safety (Read 6209 times)

surflizard