Author Topic: Use of ladder to get to thick ice (Read 2977 times)

Gusman14 · « **on:** Mar 09, 2007, 09:30 AM »

What are the thoughts on using a ladder to get to safe thick ice? The lake I want to fish has about 10 feet of slush that is knee deep before you get to thick ice and the marina My thoughts are to use the ladder from the shore to the ice. I really do not want to put on the waders to go out.

Any advice?

BTW, the ice is 15 inches when you get out past the slush.

Gusman

Pail Rider · « **Reply #1 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 09:34 AM »

We carry 2X8x10's (our ramps for the ATV) for those early spring expeditions.

wyogator · « **Reply #2 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 09:38 AM »

I have heard of it being done before. Just BE CAREFUL! When I lived in Wyoming, the lake I fished would thaw around the edges and leave an island of ice in the middle. I paddled my canoe to the island and drilled my holes.

irishjigger · « **Reply #3 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 09:56 AM »

A ladder and then put 2x8 planks on that for easier walking !

benjui567 · « **Reply #4 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 10:21 AM »

just my 2 cents but wouldnt it be easier to put the waders on rather than hauling out the ladder and some boards?

snaggerr · « **Reply #5 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 10:24 AM »

Snow shoes

Bluefinforme · « **Reply #6 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 11:46 AM »

Quote from: benjui567 on Mar 09, 2007, 10:21 AM

just my 2 cents but wouldnt it be easier to put the waders on rather than hauling out the ladder and some boards?

that was my thought.....

Gusman14 · « **Reply #7 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 12:08 PM »

Quote from: benjui567 on Mar 09, 2007, 10:21 AM

just my 2 cents but wouldnt it be easier to put the waders on rather than hauling out the ladder and some boards?

The waders freeze up and then you have to walk all stiff legged. Pain in the a$$.

benjui567 · « **Reply #8 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 12:10 PM »

I see wasnt sure about how they would work just sounded easier. I do like the canoe idea..

BUCKSKI · « **Reply #9 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 02:25 PM »

planks they float, waders fill with water, neoprene waders with a belt would be the best.
Watch all dark spots during late ice they are they weaker spots 15inches or not
Also found that oile redisue cause ice to melt extremely fast.
Poor auger and sleds leave it!

zonker · « **Reply #10 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 02:45 PM »

Late ice I always carry a chissle to help find trouble spots.

fozsey · « **Reply #11 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 06:48 PM »

If I had to wade (waders or not) through 2+' of water I would turn around and go home, have a few beers and wait til open water or the lake refreezed. At least my boat has had swimming lessons. Maybe I am a wuss.

pikeking · « **Reply #12 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 09:53 PM »

2X12's with grip tape on it. Make sure you pull them on to the ice so they don't fall into the water and float away from you.

flyingknee · « **Reply #13 on:** Mar 09, 2007, 10:13 PM »

The first thing is not to go alone,second you HAVE to have a pair of ice picks made for self rescue whether you use boots or planks. Early or late season these have to be carried in your coat,not with your gear.They get you up to where you can kick with both legs at the same time like a dolphin kick,and then roll away from the hole.Planks are better than hip boots because you use the the planks to span the hole so you can get out.Some guys drag a plank on a rope like a dog the whole time they fish just in case.I know from experience,if you fish the funky ice long enough you are going to go for a swim.The question is - are you ready for it? If the answer is no,don't go.

walleye tattoo · « **Reply #14 on:** Mar 18, 2007, 09:35 PM »

I have pushed my luck maney times and now I have let go no good ice on Bob.JMO.

Big Burk · « **Reply #15 on:** Mar 18, 2007, 11:56 PM »

first, get a buddy to come, second bring picks, ropes and floater suit/lifejacket, third find a way to get on the ice i would use a small boat or long ladders with planks on them, fourth catch some fish

dabluz · « **Reply #16 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 12:54 AM »

A snowmobile will scoot over open water or slush. I've seen ladders used and they work good but I would be afraid of bending an expensive ladder so a good strong plank (or two) is a good idea.

We often get open water close to shore here on the Saguenay river. There are often 20 foot tides and at high tide, there are often gaps in the ice. If you are on the ice with a car or truck, you sometimes have to wait for the tide to subside before being able to get off the ice.

John_BZ · « **Reply #17 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 01:56 AM »

Quote from: dabluz on Mar 19, 2007, 12:54 AM

A snowmobile will scoot over open water or slush. I've seen ladders used and they work good but I would be afraid of bending an expensive ladder so a good strong plank (or two) is a good idea.

We often get open water close to shore here on the Saguenay river. There are often 20 foot tides and at high tide, there are often gaps in the ice. If you are on the ice with a car or truck, you sometimes have to wait for the tide to subside before being able to get off the ice.

i dont think that is ice that i would want to drive on myself. i am no saint by any means, i will admit to skitching water on my sled but i dont think i could even fathom driving on tidal river ice.

Doubles Shooter · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 04:55 AM »

It isn't worth it. I love my ice fishing but when it gets to the point of walking on a plank or wading in, it's time to put the ice gear away. The ice can get dangerous in too many places when it begins to warm up.

Van_Cleaver · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 05:53 AM »

My last outing in the Southeast featured access across a rescue ladder the Park supplied, with a 2x8 plank laid across it. I was able to cross onto 8'' of solid ice, while dragging my sled along the side. It was probably 12' or so, and the thin ice was an inch or two. A friend had used it the day before, and warm weather was coming, so it was my last time out on that lake for the season. The main cake was fine, but the ladder was sinking into some water, by late afternoon. Turned out to be the best bluegill bite of the year for that lake, too. The water was shallow, so it really wasn't that dangerous, especially with the warmer temps.

dav · « **Reply #20 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 10:00 AM »

Aluminum extension ladders, light to carry and extend further than any plank . Bring a friend (good idea anyway if you need extension to get on) one or the other carry the ladder and the other carries (or pulls) the gear.

Wisc.whitetailer · « **Reply #21 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 04:28 PM »

I've been using a ladder for the last week to get on the ice.

MuskyHunter · « **Reply #22 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 11:24 PM »

I remember when my brother and I would jump on chunks of ice and ride 'em to the good ice! It's just a Thang!

MuskyHunter · « **Reply #23 on:** Mar 19, 2007, 11:26 PM »

'cept now i'm old and scared or smarter, not sure which...lol...just be careful..bums me out when i see tradgedy!

Mainehazmt · « **Reply #24 on:** Mar 21, 2007, 07:41 AM »

Quote from: dblsshtr on Mar 19, 2007, 04:55 AM

It isn't worth it. I love my ice fishing but when it gets to the point of walking on a plank or wading in, it's time to put the ice gear away. The ice can get dangerous in too many places when it begins to warm up.

I agree 100% if you can see open water it is time to give it up for the year Im not too worried about you but you may be endanging the rescuer's and thier familys and your familys sorrow see open water please stay off the ice

Lobes · « **Reply #25 on:** Mar 21, 2007, 08:20 AM »

I might use a ladder on a really tall lake or if the ice is up high, but not on thin ice ...

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Author Topic: Use of ladder to get to thick ice (Read 2977 times)