I've had this rattling around in my head for a while now.. I've thought about it every time we have questionable ice..
This applies to walkers pulling sleds, but I could see it scaled up for machine use as well..
When walking at times, I've been glad my gear is behind me, and probably wouldn't go in the water if I managed to..
You are already pulling the rope of the sled. What if there was a secondary rope with it? Attached to the device on your sled that literally drops anchor with the pull the second rope.. I'm thinking a properly angled, sharpened spike, in a tube? Or maybe a piece of angle iron on a pivot?
Pull the rope, pull yourself back to your gear, go back the way you came..
Don't know if I'll ever get to doing this, but wanted to share in case it might help someone fish again.
Good luck all..
<°)))>{