For many anglers, the winter marks the start of the hard water fishing season. Ice fishing is enjoyed by anglers across North America, but there are extra risks involved in the sport. Here are some tips and advice that you should know before venturing out on the ice.
Before You Leave
Keeping safe on the ice starts before you even leave your home. Here are some things that you should take care of before you even arrive at the lake.
Tell Someone
Make sure that someone knows about your fishing plans. Inform this person of the body of water that you are fishing, there area that you plan to fish, and what time you should arrive home. If you don’t arrive home one time, then that person can alert authorities.
Occasionally, plans change while on the water. Fish movements could make you change your fishing locations, or a good bite could have you stay on the water longer than expected. Remember to notify this person of any changes to your plan.
Never Go Alone
You should never venture out on the ice alone. Always bring at least one fishing buddy along. This way, there will always be someone to alert authorities and help if anything does go wrong.
Check with the Local Tackle Shop
Check with your local tackle shop to get an update on the current ice conditions. This is also a good time to ask about how the fishing has been.
Safety Gear
In addition to your regular ice fishing gear, there are some important items that you should bring with you. These will help to keep you safe and aid in rescue should anything go wrong.
Cellphone or Radio
It is extremely important for every member of your fishing party to have a communication device. In many areas, a regular cellphone will suffice. However, a radio will be required in remote areas where cellphones do not work.
Dry Clothes
Always carry at least one full set of dry clothing. Keep it in a waterproof bag or container. Changing into dry clothes will help prevent hypothermia should you fall through the ice or get wet while far from shore.
Flotation Suit
A flotation suit is the most important safety item that an angler can own. It will keep you afloat if you go through the ice. It will also help to keep you warm, and makes it easier for you to climb out of the water if you fall though. The only time a flotation suit is not recommended is while traveling on the ice in a closed vehicle. If the vehicle goes through the ice, then a flotation suit could make it more difficult to escape the sinking vehicle. In this case, remove the flotation suit while traveling, and put it on as soon as you exit the vehicle.
Ice Picks
Keep a pair of ice picks with you at all time. They should be somewhere that you can easily get to them while treading water. Some manufacturers offer ice picks that are designed to be worn around your neck on the outside of your floatation suit. This makes them quick and easy to access.
Throw Rope
A throw rope is something that most anglers remember to bring in a boat when fishing in open water, but forget to take with them on the ice. It is very useful to aid in pulling someone out from a hole in the ice.
Sled
Never carried your fishing gear in a backpack or duffel bag. The extra weight increase your chances of going through the ice, and the straps can be difficult to remove if you fall through. Also carry your your gear in a sled. This will spread the weight out across the ice, and allow you to swim freely if required.
On the Ice
Venturing out on the ice is risky. You must remember that you are literally walking on water, and use caution. The following tips are things that you need to keep in mind at all times while on the ice.
Don’t Go if Unsure
No fish, no matter how big, is worth risking your life to catch. Do not go out on the ice if you are unsure if it is safe to do so. As previously mentioned, check with a local tackle shop first, but always use your own judgment upon seeing the ice conditions. The information that a tackle shop has could be out of date or about a different area on the same body of water.
Thickness Guide
The following is a rough guide to how ice thickness relates to safety. However, it is only a guide. Moving water and other environmental conditions can weaken the strength of ice despite its thickness.
- 3″ (7 cm) or less: Stay off the ice.
- 4″ (10 cm): Suitable for an average sized person to go ice fishing.
- 5″ (12 cm): Suitable for a snowmobile or ATV.
- 8-12″ (20-30 cm): Suitable for a small car or a group of people.
- 12-15″ (30-38 cm): Suitable for a light truck or van.
Beware of Moving Water
Moving water weakens the strength of ice. Stay away from inlets, outlets and other areas that have moving water.
Spread Out
Don’t walk next to your fishing buddy. Keep a good distance away. The helps to spread out the weight across the ice. It also means that if one of you go through, then the other will be able to alert the authorities.
Vehicles
Vehicles are an important part of ice fishing. They help anglers reach their destination quickly, and can provide heat and shelter. However, they also weigh a lot and greatly increase the risk while ice fishing. Here is some advice that will help to keep you safe while using vehicles on the ice.
Avoid Using Vehicles
Do not use a vehicle if it is not required. It greatly increase the risk of something bad happening. If at all possible, walk across the ice to your fishing location.
Make Sure Ice is Thick
Make sure that you check the thickness of the ice. The thickness guide above is only a reference. You must ensure that they ice ice thick enough to support the combined weight of you and your vehicle.
Keep Your Distance
Do not travel close to other vehicles. Keep you distance in order to help spread out the weight across the ice.
Keep a Lookout
Also keep a lookout far ahead of your vehicle. Cracks, slush and open water can be difficult to spot and come up quickly. Continuously scan ahead for any shine, reflection or dark spots.
Travel Slowly
Always use caution and travel slowly while on the ice. This will help in spotting any hazards and to stop on the slippery surface.
No Seatbelts
Do not use seatbelts on the ice. They make it difficult to exit a vehicle quickly. If possible, also keep the door slightly ajar while traveling. This will help you exit quickly in an emergency.
