IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Safety => Topic started by: Mountain Maggot on Jan 20, 2018, 06:47 AM
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Now most of us carry hand spikes that most of us hang around our neck for pulling ourselves back on the ice if we go in the drink. However, these spikes are not going to help someone else going through the ice. Floatation equipment is fine, but you need to get that person back onto the ice.
I always carry a hundred foot length of rope with a bicycle inner tube tied to the end. Rescued a snow-mobiler who went through a few years ago. I always have a wool blanket and extra socks in my truck that can reduce the chance for hydrothermal.
Many a helpful soul ends up another swimmer trying to rescue his buddy so think “what if”. Tell us what you take to the ice to prevent a disaster.
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My pull rope for my smitty sled is clipped on with carabineers and is doubled up while it is attached. can easily be removed for a throw rope. I have a few of those mylar blankets that I keep in my kit.
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If it is my buddy that needs rescue, I'll ask him where he keeps the spare key to his gun safe. For anybody else, I have a 75 foot rope or my doubled pull rope with quick release. I always have a blanket and a Colman stove in truck topper.
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picked up a throw bag at the ice show in dec. have practiced throwing it several times since. always in the jetsled. wire
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Ropes are good, with one addition. Tie a big loop on the end, to that, tie a thin heaving line with a monkey’s fist at the end. This allows you to throw from further away(safer for you) with great accuracy, and allows them to simply pull the loop to and around them quickly instead of trying to tie something.
http://www.animatedknots.com/monkeysfist/
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One of my fishing partners has an Argo, so if anyone goes through the ice we should be able to drive right to them. Also I always have a rope with me to throw to help someone out. For myself I wear my Striker ice suit and ice picks. Back at the truck I keep a bag with extra cloths. Hopefully we will never need any of these things, but I am much more comfortable out there on the ice knowing if we ever get into trouble we should be able to get back on top of the ice.
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Great post, let’s hope you never have to put your plan into action
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A throw rope is in the sled, a wool blanket is in the truck, several chemical "hand" warmers are in both the truck and sled, also have a little old school propane heater but that ain't doing much.
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A man fell through the ice this past Thursday on a lake I've been fishing,The ice where he broke through was near the bank,but in 10' o/w.Lucky fo him he could be reached from shore.I did notice that nobody had any rope,nor do they use a spud,plus the ice was pulling away from the bank edge, when he attempted to step across the open water along the edge,he broke through..........Mothe r Nature nearly cleansed the gene pool.
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I always have 50’ of 550 paracord tied to a wood dowel
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easy/free thing to make.
throw rope-http://www.vententersearch.com/hittn-the-bottle/ (http://www.vententersearch.com/hittn-the-bottle/)
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easy/free thing to make.
throw rope-http://www.vententersearch.com/hittn-the-bottle/ (http://www.vententersearch.com/hittn-the-bottle/)
I did something similar, but I hadn't thought about tossing the bottle with a weight in the bottom.
I cut a hole in the bottom of a bleach bottle and ran the rope through, knotted and glued it on the outside. All of the rope gets pushed in through the pour spout except a loop that has a lead weight from an old kitchen sink pull out spout attached to it. If I had to deploy it, I would hold onto the handle and throw the lead weight that's tied to the loop. I wonder if throwing a weighted bottle would be easier for someone in the water to grab as it might float.
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I have my pull rope clipped onto the sled for fast removal plus I carry a pfd which dbls as a warm seat cushion. I also wear cleats so I won't slip and slide if I need to pull someone out. Great topic!
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I did something similar, but I hadn't thought about tossing the bottle with a weight in the bottom.
I cut a hole in the bottom of a bleach bottle and ran the rope through, knotted and glued it on the outside. All of the rope gets pushed in through the pour spout except a loop that has a lead weight from an old kitchen sink pull out spout attached to it. If I had to deploy it, I would hold onto the handle and throw the lead weight that's tied to the loop. I wonder if throwing a weighted bottle would be easier for someone in the water to grab as it might float.
A commercial ,made "throw bag" is made to utilize the weight of the rope. The "thrower" holds the tag end of the rope and throws the entire bag to the person being rescued. The rope pays out of the bag as it sails thru the air towards the recipient. While it might be better than nothing, I don't think one wants to be throwing chunks of lead thru the air.
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It may be foolish, but if it came right down to it, and there were no other options, I'd jump in. I wear a float suit and spikes at all times.
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Never go in after them. Easier to fish out one dead body than two.
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Never go in after them. Easier to fish out one dead body than two.
If it was my best friend, your damn right I'll go in after him. If it was the last option. Remember? Float Suit? No way I'd let him die.
Remember what Dave Gens said? "I've never found a body frozen in the ice that was wearing a life jacket".
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I always carry a 1/2"x60' rope with a throwable float tied to it along with a separate throwable float. It would be nice if more people invested in a 'float suit' so others would not have to be so concerned about those who venture out without one.
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My buddy is in Florida. I fish alone at his lake house in the winter. Striker suit, or I'm screwed. No one around.
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I have 100' of 1/4" rope tied to a half inflated boat bumper and it is always in my sled, along with an extra pair of picks. Most places I fish are within 100' of shore. I can't throw it 100', but I can fling it pretty darn far. There's not really any places around here where you can fall in at, other than walking on a spring which would be thin ice next to thick ice, or falling in when trying to get off the ice by shore. Both situations I would be able to assist with, and at least get a line and a pair of picks to the person.
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The first thing you do is sit down with your buddy and go over what you should do in case one of you fall in. Keep calm wait for the initial shock to go away and then try to get out and with help it will be easy. SO there is where you start. Before you get to the Lake.
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I have a rope that is tied to a boat cusion. Extra clothes are in the truck, everything except underwear. They are for whoever needs them. I also have a extra snow suit in the truck. There is also a buddy heater to warm them up after they change out of the wet clothes
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I carry a throw bag, a 100 foot of good rope, my ice picks around my neck and a spare set of picks in the sled. Heater either with me on the ice or in the truck. Extra clothes and blankets also in the truck. Make sure multiple cell phones are available if possible, hard to do if alone. Also a good idea to watch a few rescue videos ahead of time, lots of things you can do if you know how to. Don't take chances on early, late or sketchy ice. Stay on top!
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just wondering, if you could get close enough without putting yourself in danger, taking off your float suit jacket and throwing it to them. If they could hang onto it, ball it up and use it as a float cushion, would that work?
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I carry a rope I can throw. Personally I wear ice pics always in case I go in and often a life jacket. Might look funny to some but at least I wont sink. Also wear a whistle around my neck. During my fire department days I took some ice rescue training. They taught us to wrap a rope around our arm as its hard to grip a rope in your hand in freezing water. That and to crawl on the ice as it distributes your weight.
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I take a boat cushion with a long length of rope attached. My next thing is to figure out a way to keep the rope from getting tangled while it's not being used. If I had to use it, it would probably become 5 feet of rope because of the snarls.
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I am superman...I will just fly in and pick him up with my fingers and fly him back to safety. ;D
I wish...LOL.
Anyway, people often think of throwing rope to the person...maybe that's how it is seen in the movies. In real life, you need to make sure you throw past the person.
In the movies...people just grab onto the rope and are pulled to safety. In real life, you will need to wrap the rope at least two times around your arm or wrap it around your hand and under elbow (like you're looping rope to put away). That way you will have some grip if there isn't a loop or tube on the end of that line. When people panic, typically they will grab onto the rescue bag...grab the rope, the bag is gonna keep deploying more rope.
In the movies...people are pulled with their front/belly towards obstacle/ice edge. In real life, your back towards obstacle/ice edge is easier. One you can elbow/leverage your body on the edge. Two you can kick your feet to propel your body up onto the edge. Three, it's easier to get pulled to safety when you assist by kicking your feet and digging heels along the ice.
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Having rope is great but it's extremely difficult to pull a person out if you don't have any traction on ice. Create an anchor point by tying the free end of the rope to a dowel, auger a hole in safe ice, and insert dowel into hole. And rather than wasting time tying knots, pre-install a carribeaner on the free end to slip onto the dowel.
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Having rope is great but it's extremely difficult to pull a person out if you don't have any traction on ice. Create an anchor point by tying the free end of the rope to a dowel, auger a hole in safe ice, and insert dowel into hole. And rather than wasting time tying knots, pre-install a carribeaner on the free end to slip onto the dowel.
What am I missing here? I don’t see how this will help. You still have to pull, and the rope will be anchored behind you. Please clarify. I may be missing something obvious. Lol
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Wow!!! Great ideas to expand my safety arsenal. Hopefully the novices are reading this thread. The only thing that would make this better would be a self-rescue and other person rescue video. You might have the fire department coordinate with with any film making 🏊♀️
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I agree - this is a really good thread. I saw an ice rescue video last year but haven't been able to find it again where a guy demonstrated how to extract yourself from the ice with picks and without and it was really informative. I think it was from a fire department in Michigan...will keep looking.
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Just thinking about the title of this thread, "How would you rescue your buddy or someone else". Every guy I know has imagined himself as a hero since the age of four. However, when the cheese becomes binding, are you more motivated for the heroics for a buddy or for just some stupid mook over there who wandered out onto thin ice? Personally, I'd go the extra mile for a pal and do what it takes. Total stranger, maybe not much more than shouted encouragement and self rescue instructions. And speaking of self rescue, that's the number two most important responsibility I've set for myself 'cause I usually fish solo and it's no fair putting someone else at risk. Number one emphasis is to stay the heck away from sketchy ice. Stay off it. How tough is that? Nobody needs to fish that bad.
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Number one emphasis is to stay the heck away from sketchy ice. Stay off it. How tough is that? Nobody needs to fish that bad.
To be fair, there are times and places where you can have a foot of ice in one spot and an inch in another. Even if you only go out on "safe" ice, there is always the possibility of something bad happening to you or someone else. That's the type of thing I try to be prepared for. I don't worry about the people that push the limits and go out on sketchy ice because I won't be out there with them in the first place.
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Imo you want to throw something that floats, life ring, boat cushion, etc. Something to keep the person floating. Have attached to that a floating polypro rope. An anchor point... I use an ice screw that the climbers use with a carabiner takes about 10 sec to screw it in and clip the rope in. Most people when they fall in will be hyper ventilating and pulling on the rope as fast as you can feed it to him. You need anchor point or good cleats.
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I don't think anyone has said it yet, but guys don't forget to tie a large slip knot on the end of your rope!! You want the person to be able to loop the rope around their body under their armpits and for you to be able to pull it tight. Easy sliding knot for use with cold fingers. This way even if you cant get the person out, you can hold them above water until help arrives, even past when they lose their grip.
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Everyone please remember the first action is to calm down and think. Make a plan before acting. Statistically the number of rescuers killed vs victims is higher for all rescue types.
Be Safe!
Houligan
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Hey Buddy!!!! Throw me your wallet!!!!!!!! and your keys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I always have a boat cushion on a long rope in my gear.
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In early or late ice situations I wear my dry suit with a life jacket. Purchased the suit for late season kayak fishing and doubled the use for on the ice. Safety picks with me but I sometimes don't wear them when I'm standing on over a foot of good ice. I keep a coiled up rope in the truck in a bag. Probably going to start bringing that with me.
I really need to get a whistle I fish alone 99% of the time and I need the sound to get noticed.
I keep a small waterproof flashlight in my top chest outside pocket of my jacket on the S.O.S setting where it flashes 3 times at different intervals. Good for at night.
Anyone think of what happens when they throw them a life jacket or float and you miss? Everything should be tied to a rope then. You don't want your life to be in the hands of my throwing skills.
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I don't think anyone has said it yet, but guys don't forget to tie a large slip knot on the end of your rope!! You want the person to be able to loop the rope around their body under their armpits and for you to be able to pull it tight. Easy sliding knot for use with cold fingers. This way even if you cant get the person out, you can hold them above water until help arrives, even past when they lose their grip.
This is why I use a bicycle inner tube. It’s heavy enough to throw on the end of a rope, with a little air it will float and it’s easy and comfortable to fit under you arms in the water.
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my plan is to throw it past them,then I can angle myself to drag either the rope or cushion towards them..i was a pitcher in high school baseball so not to worried at hitting the mark with a rope and cushion.should be able to get close enough to lob it to them anyway not like your throwing a 50 yard touchdown.
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I carry with me an old ski rope, which has the handle on the end
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Oh I forgot to say that my rope has two figure 8 knots on each end making a big loop and also a loop that doesn't slide and tighten like a slip knot does. Loop won't squeeze the air out of them or crush them when you pull them out.
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Must have a good plan in place. First thing to do is call 911, then go to your plan of action. Throw a rope or float with rope tied to it. Remember to stay away from the hole so you don't break through or get dragged in by victim. Hopefully the victim can tie himself off with the rope. Now try to pull victim up with rope if you can't pull him out then wait for help to arrive. Never enter the water and make it a 2 person rescue.
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This is the video I was talking about earlier:
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Great video. After three times in the drink, I’m amazed he could even talk. I think what is most notable is calming yourself down which is opposite of how most folks would react. This causes one to focus on a solution versus making things worst. :clap:
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I carry one of the Clam throw ropes with us and have a buddy heater and dry bag with extra clothes in the flip over. Thankfully, I've never had to use them.
For myself, I've got a Striker suit and spikes and got the boy a set of Striker bibs this year as well. Cheap insurance in my opinion, and they're warm as heck.
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/bxxa9nix1/20180122_192624.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/bxxa9nix1/)
my grandpa saved me from the ice with this back in 86, got me in the lower neck. Ive kept it in my tackle box ever since...
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my grandpa saved me from the ice with this back in 86, got me in the lower neck.
I love it..There's an idea I didn't think of. The guy in the water doesn't even have to hold on. Throw him the bunker snagger and give a good pull. He's coming out of that water one way or the other. Hi 5 for grandpa!!!!!!! ;)
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I carry a Scotty throw rope and have practiced with it. Like someone said above, don't try to throw them the rope, throw it past/through them. For myself, I wear Striker bibs and coat. I'll be buying my daughter a set of the bibs next year.
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I usually just run towards the hole and let said person grab hold of my chest hairs and pull them out @)
On a serious note I'd hook up a rope to a snow-machine if you have one and throw the end to the person and pull them out.
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Spikes on knee pads. Hmmmmm....
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(https://s18.postimg.cc/bxxa9nix1/20180122_192624.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/bxxa9nix1/)
my grandpa saved me from the ice with this back in 86, got me in the lower neck. Ive kept it in my tackle box ever since...
Geez...good thing he wasn’t spear fishing carp at the time. Course my grandad taught me how to never touch a cigarette lighter when I was 4 by having me touch it. :'(
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My tow rope on my hut is 15' long so it keep me out in front of my hut a good distance and I have a 15' tag line attached to the other end of my hut that just drags behind. My buddy tags behind just in case the lead guy breaks through. He can then grab the tag line and the lead guy who broke through can hang on the tow rope and be pulled out.
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6:30 has a "Your buddy went through" section.
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Throw bags are easy to make and inexpensive. 50’ to 75’ of 1/2” or 5/8” poly or woven rope with a loop on both ends finished with a bowline knot is all you need. Be SURE to tie bowline knots so it won’t slip and tighten around a wrist or arm like a granny or other knot will. A small cheap pack or stuff sack will work just fine to hold the rope. Hang on to the loop outside of the throw bag, and throw it past the victim so they can grab hold of it. Slowly pull in a consistent way until the victim has a good hold of it, then pull him out. I made my throw bag for about $6.00 to include the rope and a bag from a thrift store. Always carry it on my sled.
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Yes mountain i agree awesome read...i have a throw bag,and a spare 100 ft rope both wit snap links spare ice picks a pull harness fer both my sled and rescue ice cleats incase its all ice whistle...not ta mention you tube vids fallin through da ice all informative..thanks ta all i'll tweak my stuff a bit be safe
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In the first video, guy was wearing tennis shoes. Would have much more difficult if wearing heavy boots and cleats. My size 13 LaCrosse Ice Kings with Kahtoola microspikes weigh a lot more than plain tennis shoes. Also being 74 and over weight wouldn't help. So I never fish early, late, questionable ice, always wear Striker Ice suit, use spud, drill test holes, and carry picks and throw rope. Both videos are must watch thou.
(https://s17.postimg.cc/qty9ho76j/throw-rope_L.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/qty9ho76j/)
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I had to deal with someone that fell in on new ice a few years ago. I heard the call for help and located him about a quarter mile away. By the time we got to him he had been in the water close to 10 minutes and was just about ready to go down. He was hanging on to the edge and was real low in the water as his strength was gone from trying to get himself out and his clothes were weighing him down. Both of us had on AA floating ice suits and as always picks so the 2 of us crawled out with my sled and got close enough to him to get the sled to him. He was able to hook his arm and shoulder over the edge and we were able to tie a long rope to the sled and get to safe ice and pull him out. There was no way he could have pulled himself out. He now owns a floating ice suit and IMO having that and picks should help make that job easier. My advice to everyone that ice fishes...invest in a good quality flotation suit and wear the picks.
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i did a self rescue and i explain to every one i fish with how to do the same thing i did.
float suits will have you on your back so let it and elbow walk up and onto the ice and roll away. couldn't be easier. you may want to kick your knees up onto the side of the hole aslo to speed it up and then roll away.
What am I missing here? I don’t see how this will help. You still have to pull, and the rope will be anchored behind you. Please clarify. I may be missing something obvious. Lol
the victim would have a loop around him and the rescuer would tie it off onto himself and then the rescuer would pull the rope that is anchored. this would pull both persons towards the anchor point.
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Seen it a couple times in the thread but I use a waterski tow rope. big enough to grab the handle with mittens on. Also can jam your arm through up to the elbow if too weak to grab on.
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i carry a rope with a seat cushion tied to an end. it's extremely throwable as well. this also doubles as my flotation device on suspect ice. i tie one end of the rope to me and drag it and the cushion behind me.
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i carry a rope with a seat cushion tied to an end. it's extremely throwable as well. this also doubles as my flotation device on suspect ice. i tie one end of the rope to me and drag it and the cushion behind me.
Do you have a good method for keeping the rope from becoming tangled during the day? I have the same setup but am afraid if I ever need it to rescue someone I'll have to waste time unsnarling it.
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I always carry a boat cushion and a rope. I made home made ice picks but I'm going to buy the ones I saw in the videos.
Allot of great ideas and the 2 videos are great. Especially about calming down and stop hyperventilating before attempting to get out.
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Seen it a couple times in the thread but I use a waterski tow rope. big enough to grab the handle with mittens on. Also can jam your arm through up to the elbow if too weak to grab on.
I have a throw bag that has a floating rope and a BIG loop at the end with some type of heavy, clear hose thru it(hose is maybe 10-12" in length). Makes a handle that is easier to grab like you are saying, and holds the loop open. Best throw bag I have seen. I'll try to get a pic of it when I get home. Can;'t remember the brand name.
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Hey RuttNutt I would like to see a picture of that as well. Thanks
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Do you have a good method for keeping the rope from becoming tangled during the day? I have the same setup but am afraid if I ever need it to rescue someone I'll have to waste time unsnarling it.
not really. i just try to keep it untangled from my sled. i tend not to hole hop much when im on questionable ice.
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I had to deal with someone that fell in on new ice a few years ago. I heard the call for help and located him about a quarter mile away. By the time we got to him he had been in the water close to 10 minutes and was just about ready to go down. He was hanging on to the edge and was real low in the water as his strength was gone from trying to get himself out and his clothes were weighing him down. Both of us had on AA floating ice suits and as always picks so the 2 of us crawled out with my sled and got close enough to him to get the sled to him. He was able to hook his arm and shoulder over the edge and we were able to tie a long rope to the sled and get to safe ice and pull him out. There was no way he could have pulled himself out. He now owns a floating ice suit and IMO having that and picks should help make that job easier. My advice to everyone that ice fishes...invest in a good quality flotation suit and wear the picks.
You are a hero my friend and smart one. Calling 911 is a good first reaction BUT sounds like it would have been recovery versus rescue. You did your rescue in a manner that not only worked but minimized your risk.
It is an import message to all that by all means attempt a rescue but keep you witts. Jumping in after the person should only be done if you are sure you can get back on the ice. An unfortunate statistic is often two corpses vs one.
Great job!!! :bow:
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The first thing you do is sit down with your buddy and go over what you should do in case one of you fall in. Keep calm wait for the initial shock to go away and then try to get out and with help it will be easy. SO there is where you start. Before you get to the Lake.
well said
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Hey RuttNutt I would like to see a picture of that as well. Thanks
Sorry- forgot to take it out of my gear and get a picture last night. Going out today after work, so will get a pic of it on the ice.
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I carry 50' of clothesline rope. But I recommend calling 911 you can always turn them away when they get there. There are many health conditions that can turn deadly when hypothermia is in the mix.
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Here is my throw bag. Has a built in whistle
(https://s9.postimg.cc/hd52qrs17/EB9_FB000-5_E9_C-4592-_BDFD-_D679_CA1_B63_C7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/hd52qrs17/)
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Great info and very good safety gear ideas I would have never thought of, thanks all for posting.
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Plan ahead, tell your buddy what you have in gear. minutes count. Hypothermia kills, you have to function to drive home still! I carry 75' 1/2 " anchor rope with boat bumper threaded on end of previously tied and taped loop/eye. (large enough for a big man).The bumper weights the eye of rope to throw in stiff winds or can be skipped like a rock. The end of the rope is tied to a duffle bag of some sort and stuffed lightly into coffee can to keep knots out and payout easier. A second bumper ( small ones) has a SPARE set of spikes attached with paracord, to throw to person in water. This can be thrown or slid on rope to victim( carabiner ). Spare set of cleats, two shanty anchors in bag. You might have to set one! Dry clothes in truck and blanket. Not at all excessive, weighs little. I WAS INVOLVED IN A RESCUE, AND THE MAN PASSED ON SHORE IN THE AMBULANCE. THE VERY NEXT YEAR ANOTHER DIED STANDING IN CHEST DEEP WATER. (SAME LAKE) ! PEOPLE TRIED GETTING A ROPE TO HIM FOR 45 MIN. TOO MUCH TIME IN THE WATER!!! Brothers and sisters: be prepared, be safe, be there for each other!!!
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Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! I just added some safety equipment to my sled can't be too prepared. 1) A pre-tied rope with a throwing weight. 2) A second set of ice picks to complement the set I already carry. 3) I now have a plan to discuss the basics of ice safety before going out on the ice with anyone.
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Safety should be on everyone's mind as they are looking for first ice. Thought it would be best to bump this thread, given i bought a throw bag this morning. Link is below, looking forward to adding it to my gear.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BBK59C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Now time to research spuds!
Be safe all and tight lines!
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And......if you do get a throw bag practice with it!
Make sure the rope will actually come out of the bag and practice putting the rope back in just in case you miss on the first throw.
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I have a throw bag, carry it in the truck a few week before and after I hit the ice, just in case. Another idea I thought was a good idea, have your buddy drag a 30'- 50' length of rope behind them. If they go through, the rope can be used to pull them to safety.
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And......if you do get a throw bag practice with it!
Make sure the rope will actually come out of the bag and practice putting the rope back in just in case you miss on the first throw.
This is important. My friend had a rope bag he got at a tag sale and was bragging about how easy it was to save someone. He threw it to show us.
That bag went flying in a huge arch and landed behind him. We laughed at him but we also addressed the need to know how to use it.
He has since learned how to throw and repack the rope.
I use a 100 foot piece with loops tied about every 4 feet for the first 30 feet of it. If someone needs it. They can put a boot in the bottom loop and wrap there hand in a higher loop.
I did this because I figure if someone goes through, they are not gonna have the hand strength to hold onto a rope. With loops, just wrap it around wrist and get pulled out.
I'm very happy in all my years ice fishing, that rope has stayed in my gear untouched.
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We were on ice yesterday where the ice was thin around the trees. My buddy is my son and is wearing flotation bibs, at times I was thinking what the heck are we doing out here. There were others fishing also but still makes me nervous
I was carrying a rope tied to a boat cushion, we have never gone in but the more we fish we seem to take more risk.
I am not sure I would fish without the bibs, probably the best investment I have made.
This forum for sure has helped me with proper gear
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I have one of those space saving vacuum bags in my truck that has an old bath towel, underwear, socks, sweatpants, sweater, and a hat in it. That way if anyone does get wet, we can at least get them dry after getting off the ice.
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I carry p-cord. If the situation were desperate I wear a float suit and ice picks so I would just bail in and help them out. If I were miles from anywhere I would think twice about it but most of the places I fish are within an easy 5 minute walk back to the car.