Ice Fishing Safety Tips

1. Wait to walk out on the ice until there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Thinner ice may support one person, but since ice thickness can vary considerably, especially at the beginning and end of the season, 4 inches will provide a margin of safety.

Snowmobiles and ATV’s need at least 5 inches, and cars and light trucks need at least 8-12 inches of good clear ice.

2. Slush or snow (white) ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice and is very dangerous. "e;Honeycombed"e; or "e;black ice"e; occurs in the spring or during major winter thaws as the ice is melting and is the most dangerous ice. Never walk on "e;honeycombed"e; ice or "e;black ice"e;. Ice fishermen also need to be aware that many lakes and ponds contain spring holes and other areas of current that may create deceptively dangerous thin spots in areas that are otherwise safe. Always use caution, and don't venture out onto unfamiliar waters without checking the ice thickness frequently.

3. If you do see someone fall through the ice, do not run toward them. Carefully extend a rope, pole or line to the victim.

4. 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.

5. Carry a throwable seat cushion. It'll add to your seating comfort and give you something throw to someone fallen through.

6. Watch out for weedy areas or any object frozen in the ice. Such objects produce heat and the ice will be weaker arount such objects.

7. Contact a local resort or bait shop for information about known thin ice areas.

8. No number or size fish is worth your life.

Ice Fishing Safety Gear

A must have piece of ice fishing equipment for any angler is a set of safety picks. With a set of picks you will be able to climb out of the frigid water and roll on the ice to safety. Without picks you may struggle to exhaustion and then drown. These picks are very inexpensive and could save your life.

Carry a throwable seat cushion. It'll add to your seating comfort and give you something throw to someone fallen through.

Ice creepers are another good idea to strap on your boots. These steel spikes will prevent you from slipping on the ice and taking yourself out for the rest of the ice fishing season.

Legal Stuff

The suggestions contained within this article are just that- suggestions. I nor this website, accept no responsibility for what happens to you on the ice, whether as a result of this article or not. You are *never* completely safe no matter where you are and no article can make it so.