What's your thoughts

[Junior48]

With the recent tragic event a the gorge what are your thought or options on a PFD while ice fishing? After seeing all that has come out of this past weekend it gets me thinking. I feel that I am pretty green to ice fishing still. I have been on the hard water since I was a little kid with my dad in the snow plan while he was out checking fisherman. But still feel uncomfortable at times. Here is sight with PFD that I found while kicking the idea around. http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/inflatable-pfds?country=25   I am not saying that this would have saved this great fisherman's life, but could it may be increased his chances?

[wyoutdoors]

As long as it's a personal choice, I have no qualms about PFD's. If it is going to be enforceable, like seat belts or PFD's during boating season, I have issues with gov't intervention and telling me what's good for me. And not just because I'm in Wyoming, its a personal thing.

[appleye]

I wear a life jacket at first and last ice when I'm walking out and back. Once I've drilled some holes and feel comfortable I take it off. I've looked real hard at the inflatable ones that I could wear all the time but have not bit the bullet. I do feel if your ready, Ice picks, PFD and throw ropes a person could get out. I have gone through a number of times and the key is to keep a calm head and have a plan.

Three years ago I had my wife on the Gorge. She had gone ice fishing with me for about three years at that time. We had an earth quake while on the ice and had a large wave with it. Then a large rock the size of a car broke loose about 500 yards away and went through the ice. It scared her so bad she has never gone again.

[bbkyle35]

Arctic armor is on my wish list. Seems like the best solution. I know if I rely on a pfd I'll get lazy and not wear it because it's bulky and in the way.

[Junior48]

Arctic armor is on my wish list. Seems like the best solution. I know if I rely on a pfd I'll get lazy and not wear it because it's bulky and in the way.

yeah i have been kicking the Arctic armor thing around too. i would really like to get a set.  i agree i think i could get complacent and not wear a PFD.

[Mac daddy]

Appleye two years ago me and my brother were fishing big bend when we heard loud boom off to the west. Pretty soon my brother notices the ice rolling like a wave towards us. I won't lie it was scary, but as roll hit us all that happened it shot a little water out of the holes. As for pfds everyone needs to make that choice on there own.

[Maddog]

After reading these replies and thinking what has happened recently a PFD is on my list of what to buy next.

[POk3s]

I wear a life jacket at first and last ice when I'm walking out and back. Once I've drilled some holes and feel comfortable I take it off. I've looked real hard at the inflatable ones that I could wear all the time but have not bit the bullet. I do feel if your ready, Ice picks, PFD and throw ropes a person could get out. I have gone through a number of times and the key is to keep a calm head and have a plan.

Three years ago I had my wife on the Gorge. She had gone ice fishing with me for about three years at that time. We had an earth quake while on the ice and had a large wave with it. Then a large rock the size of a car broke loose about 500 yards away and went through the ice. It scared her so bad she has never gone again.

I've had a few of the same occasions on the gorge. I hardly even look up anymore when I hear 'em coming (if there's any ice)!

The story that's out there is this guy was in his hut. Had been fishing for quite a while before falling through. Definitely one of the odder ones I've heard but if those temps warm up and that ice isn't the greatest I guess there's no time to feel comfortable.

[fish/hunt4ever]

I wear a striker suit just like the AA suit and will float. Now just to get the wife one.

[muskyon46]

PFd's are not a bad idea $ wise, I invested in a striker jacket last year and the bibs will follow next year. I think one of the main things is not to fish alone. I always carry ice cleats, have my picks around my neck until I'm comfy with the ice and a throw bag with 50ft of rope in the bucket. The throw rope bag is the latest I've started carrying and takes up very little space. I used to have a coiled up rope and it would take a minute to get out. The throw bag is way quicker. I was easily able to pull 2 people out with a rope in the years I've been on the hard deck. They were cold but ok

[Junior48]

yeah i really would like to get a jacket and bib set like that. guess fishing queen 04 can start looking. and ill have to get her a set as well. but until then ill keep the rope and picks handy

[branded]

I bought a set of artic armor a few years ago. About $3oo.oo. They are warm  and comfortable. Also sets your mind at ease. Watched several movie clips on how they float. This summer I am going to suit up and jump in the lake just to prove to myself just how well they work.

[Wyofarmer]

I love my Arctic Armor. Not only is it buoyant but it's warm as heck!!

[bronvike21]

Yep, the Arctic Armor is the way to go. Super warm and gives you time if you go down.

[mike182]

Been using a mustang float coat. Been using it for years. Also have some ice picks in your pocket.  Work really good.

[Junior48]

Been using a mustang float coat. Been using it for years. Also have some ice picks in your pocket.  Work really good.

I did't try to track down a price on them. How much are we looking at?

[mike182]

About 200, go to ebay. get alot better prices. Best 200 i spent. Saved my butt this year. I picks also. can get those at wallmart. Pretty cheap.