how many of you

[duck doctor]

carry some piece of ice rescue equipment while ice fishing? I am a fire fighter/emt and have had some ice rescue training. We had a rescue last winter that made me realize how quick access to equipment will help save a life. I know own a 70' throwable rope bag made by Stearns.

Just curious how many people carry something?

[Pasquatch]

I always carry a rope in my sled, just in case someone is to fall in. Also have my trusty Nextel out there.

[Skipper]

I carry picks and wear a pfd on less than 8'' of ice. I ALWAYS carry a 30ft nylon strap in my pocket. It coils up nicely, and it is very easy to throw.

[esox slayer]

I carry picks, a 50 foot piece of 1/2 inch rope with loops on each end, and on first ice(less than 6 inches) a pfd as well....you never know....Esox

[duck doctor]

This is what I now carry. It is made by Stearns and is called the Rescue Mate Throw Bag

[icejunky]

Picks, I dont leave home without'em, or should I say my wife wont let me. I also pack extra clothes and a blanket to keep in the vehicle incase someone goes thru, they can change clothes to warm up.

This year on the open water I bough a autoinflate PFD, I may take it on early and late ice trips for extra saftey

[Bartman44]

(Image removed from quote.)

This is what I now carry. It is made by Stearns and is called the Rescue Mate Throw Bag

That's pretty cool. Just checked it out on-line and it's only about 18 bucks.

I currently use pics, a pfd, and I have 50 feet of rope. Attached to the end of the rope, I've affixed a waterskiers handle, figuring it would be easier to grab on to.

[fishingonly2002]

I wear a life vest early late season, a dry suit when its pretty thin. we also have good buncle of rope neatly coiled ready to throw, along with ice screws to anchor the rop to so you dont have a guy or two getting yanked in by the frantic unlucky one. 3 seconds to anchor a screw, another few to toss a rope.

~Neal

[icetechy]

I have a whistle on my lanyard.

[fishingking]

I have been carrying a rope for years now on EVERY trip. Unfortunally I had to use it once to save someones life. I also almost always wear my picks, which I attach my jig glowwing light onto (to kinda force me  too wear them) This year I will be wearing my Mustang suit on every trip

[marmooskapaul]

I always carry 50' of 1/2 rope attached to a square throwable pfd. Most of the time I've got a vest on while walking around. Had to pull a guy out once, you definately want something heavy enough to throw to them. That stearns thing looks pretty neat and storable. Paul

[Oldbear]

I also carry a 50'rope with a boat cushion on the other end, ice picks and wear a pfd actually all the time as I fish alone on farm ponds a lot.

[JerryofWNY]

I have a whistle on my lanyard.

That's a great idea. I'll have to ad that. I do wear a PFD on early and late ice. I also carry ice picks. I have a 50' rope with one of my boat fenders attached. It makes it easier to throw and won't hurt if I bonk someone in the head throwing it.

[sphynx_000]

I plan on fishing more early ice this year, so I finally got prepared for an accident.

I have a set of ice picks, and a 50' nylon rope I plan to keep handy while fishing with sketchy ice conditions. But more importantly, I have researched a little bit on how your body reacts to cold water, and what you are supposed to do if you fall in. I have ran the scenario through my head a few times, and I honestly feel confident that I could deal with the situation if it ever happens to me. Just being prepared and keeping a confident attitude (dont panic) could really be the lifesaver.

and fyi, the core temp of your body drops at a rate 25 times faster when wet vs. when dry... Get  out of the wet cloths asap!

[pizalm]

I've never fished on any dicey conditions except once, we took lifejackets along though.

[Icemanjim]

I carry my pics and replace the rope on my sled to one about 20'+.  Carry a phone but it is not reliable on some of the lakes I fish.

[Fishin Fireman]

I am a fire fighter/emt and have had some ice rescue training.

Same here, except I am a certified Ice Rescue Tech (translates to ) and having all that training tends to make us a little more fearless and dangerous to ourselves. I have never thought about it to much cause our ice is pretty thick up here but do carry ice pics. I am really cautious on the rivers and carry ice pics and rope.

Hope this message gets the point across that Your SAFETY on the ice is very important.

"Everyone Goes Home"

Brad

[brittlab]

Picks and a life jacket. last year was my first on the ice and I was pretty nervous the first few times out. I got used to wearing the life jacket so now I don't even notice it.

[hali-man]

I think the most important safety item any of us can have is a fishing partner.
If there is ANY doubt about the ice, do NOT go out there by yourself.
That also applies to night-fishing. Just don't do it.
I have gone through. It is not fun.

That being said- I (usually) have spikes and always have some rope.

[IceRover]

I think the most important safety item any of us can have is a fishing partner.
If there is ANY doubt about the ice, do NOT go out there by yourself.

I think that hali-man is right on. We carry spikes all the time and a 40' rope with boat cushion also. Would like to buy a nice C02 inflatable pfd that is not a hindrance to wear. Still looking.

[Van_Cleaver]

I carry ice picks which go around my neck if I have any doubts about the ice. I'm not concerned with how macho I look either; they don't do any good buried in the bottom of your box. My sled always has 40' of poly rope with a loop around a short length of PVC pipe. This gives it some weight, as well. Also I practice tossing it before the season, just in case.

[Blaine]

Ever since I went in, I wear picks and carry a 100' col of 3/8" rope tied to a float in the sled...

[oldwolf]

I always have 50 ft of climbing rope with me, picks, and change of clothes in car. Haven't had to use them in 50 yrs, thank God! I don't push my luck and check ice frequently when conditions iffy.

[spoonfed]

never use to but after going in myself i now take along my picks, a rope, and a life jacket.  funny how falling in changes how you think. i also make sure someone knows where i am fishing if i go alone.

[hunters08]

Picks, I dont leave home without'em, or should I say my wife wont let me. I also pack extra clothes and a blanket to keep in the vehicle incase someone goes thru, they can change clothes to warm up.

This year on the open water I bough a autoinflate PFD, I may take it on early and late ice trips for extra saftey

Thats a good idea having the extra clothes and blanket,i will be doing that from now on!!

[hardh2ofish]

I ALWAYS take along my 80' length of  3/4" rope that I usually use for my safety harness when Im roofing steep houses.  I   ALWAYS   get it out and undo the wrap i put it in and coil it for throwing before I EVER get on the ice.  Also I carry a couple 20 penny nails  I sharpend up in each pocket.  They may not be store bought picks but I think theyll suffice as long as I stay calm.  Im a water rat and have always loved to swim and I try to mentally prepare myself for what it would be like to go through.  And i usually have a pair of sweats and a blanket under the back seat at all times this time of year

[PIKEGUY]

50 feet of good nylon rope and a cell phone

[vermonner]

Carry picks and 50' of rope tied to a boat fender for to huck to the unlucky guy.  Golden rule about Lake Champlain---NEVER NEVER NEVER go on the ice without a compass.  You can get far from shore on good ice in a serious winter and white outs will happen.  Wouldn't want to walk to open water instead of the shore.

[TROUTHUNTER35]

I will usually carry rope and all the time picks.

[coldbum]

I have heard ppl say " If ya pack it ya will never need." I guess thats one of Murphys Laws maybe?

Good enough reason for me to carry the proper equipment!

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