Ice Fishing Derby 2009

As the anticipation of ice fishing season fast approaches, I can’t stress enough the importance of ice safety, here are a few tips that could save your life or the life of a fellow fisherman.

* Attach a long cord to your sled. Not only does this make the sled easier to pull but should someone fall through the ice you can push the sled to them holding onto the line.
* Carry two picks – spikes protruding from wooden hand holds – to help pull your way out if you should fall in.
* If you should fall through the ice, once you spike your way out or are pulled out, don’t stand – roll across the ice in the direction you came.
* Carry a throwable seat cushion. It’ll add to your seating comfort and give you something throw to someone fallen through.
* Keep your auger covered. The blades are sharp, and can easily cut you, your dog or your children.
* Spray vegetable oil on your auger and snowshoes. Snow won’t stick and you won’t cut yourself cleaning off the show.
* Wear creepers. Slip on, or spiked shoes will keep you from slipping and falling on the ice.
* Bring a phone to call for help.
* A first aid kit
* Watch for weak spots. Weaker ice often looks different than strong ice.
* Carry a spud and test, test, test.
* Watch out for weedy areas. Weeds produce heat and the ice is weaker around them.
* Watch the bottom. If it moves, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
* Use your brain when evaluating the conditions and decisions. Never let a desire for fishing incite you to do something hazardous.
* Keep your eye on what direction the wind is from, the speed, the topography of the area, and the condition of any cracks you cross.
* Keep in mind that no number or size fish is worth your life.
* Learn when you make a mistake so you don’t repeat them.
* Wear wool clothes a few layers out from your body. It retains it’s insulating properties when wet and, after your body warms up the water soaked in between your body and the wool, the water will also insulate you from the cold.
* Watch the temperature. While it may not be warm enough to melt the ice, it may very well weaken it substantially because soft ice is much weaker than hard.

When the ice is questionable:

* Go only in waters you or somebody you’re fishing with know.
* Remember to go out only as far as you can make it back if you’re wet.
* Exercise extreme care if you go in water over your head or in a current.

These tips and more can be found here: https://www.lake-link.com/icefishing/IceFishingSafety.cfm

Remember be safe and Happy Fishing