Without a doubt the most important piece of equipment I own for ice fishing is my hypothermia suit! We put too much emphasis on our electronics,shelters,poles,lures,bait,etc... I would like to mention our safety! Get yourself a hypothermia suit or floater suit-these suits float should you fall through the ice. Not to mention they are super warm and convenient. Just zip on and off. Wear just jeans and a sweatshirt. Don't need to wear multiple layers of clothes that help you sink like a rock when they fill with water. Everyone I know "swears" by these suits. Trust me, if the sound of ice cracking scares you(as it should) then you will feel a little better knowing you have one of these baby's on.
They Work! I fell through the ice on an Erie trip last year and crawled out of the lake "smiling"(actually my heart was in my throat) as others fishing were looking on in horror. This could have been a tragedy but instead it ended up being a successful day fishing as I continued to fish and limit out.
It sickens me to read about those who have drowned falling through the ice. It happens every year on this site. Think about you ,your family,and friends. No ice is "safe ice".
I mention these suits to make others aware that there is such equipment available. I never knew about them until a fishing buddy wore his. I said I had to get one of those suits! It may have saved my life. Maybe this post could save yours!
