Every year and at least once a week during the ice season we hear about someone that has had equipment or everything from the back of their truck stolen. This has become a reality in our sport. Thieves know that the equipment we have has value and watch for an opportunity to make a quick buck. Ice fisherman as a whole are some of the best people to trust. The thieves and the thieves that ice fish on the other hand, are the worst to our community.
I am going to say this bluntly. "LOCK IT UP!!!!!!!"
If you have an open bed pickup with your gear in it while you go into the bait shop you could loose it all. I have talked to those that have.
A pail of rods in the back of the truck while you run into the hardware store, might be gone when you get back.
Ice fishing equipment is something that needs to under a lock and key even when it is in the back of our trucks with a topper on it. Lock that topper.
Stopping at a bait shop with a buddy, have him stay by the truck.
Home from fishing, unload everything you can't afford to be stolen.
I myself, lost a tackle box forgotten in the back of a boat.
We put too much money into this hobby just to have it taken away.
I hope the next time your at a bait shop or store you remember to keep your equipment locked up. Unlocking the topper for that minnow bucket leaves it open. Lock it up while inside.
I may be stating the obvious but too many overlook it and loose their ice fishing equipment each year.
Lock your equipment up and don't give them the opportunity to take it!!!!!!!!!!
