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Ice fishermen wait for weeks for the first ice of the season, eager to get their line in the hole. Even lifetime experts know though, that ice fishing safety must come first. Nature can be brutal and the delicate nature of ice is its own concern. You can snag the biggest catch and stay safe by brushing up on your ice fishing safety before hitting the ice!
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
COMMUNICATE
Always communicate your fishing plans with someone. Let them know where you're going and when you're expected to return. If you own a cell phone, CB, or other communications device, take it with you! You don't have to take business calls on your day off, but should the worst happen, you'll be glad you had a way to get in touch with authorities and medical personal.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Always take along more clothing than what you think you'll need. It's better to shed layers than suffer frostbite or hypothermia. Your outer layer should be wind and waterproof, followed by several layers of breathable fabrics you can remove, if necessary. Don't forget the boots, hats, or mitts, either. You lose the most heat from the head area. Keep it covered and the rest of you will feel warmer.
FLOTATION DEVICES
Wear a life vest or take along a float coat. Both provide maximum flotation. Float coats will also protect you from hypothermia.
AVOID ALCOHOL
Alcoholic beverages increase the odds for hypothermia, slowed reactions, and poor judgement calls. If you want to flip back a few cold ones with the boys (or girls), do it after you're outing when you're back on solid ground.
ICE SAFETY
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), "ice is never safe" because "it can be a foot thick in one area on a lake, and it can be one inch thick just a few yards away." Of course, every diehard already knows the hazards of ice just as every race car driver is aware of the perils of speed. That being said, there are ways to stay safe on the ice while fishing. Follow these guidelines:
FOUR INCH STANDARD
Before gearing up, wait to hit the ice until there is a minimum of 4-inches of solid ice. If you are unable to gauge ice thickness on your own, contact your local DNR, bait shop, or fishing club and inquire about current ice conditions.
DON'T VENTURE OUT ALONE
Always hit the ice with a friend. This gives you and he/she a way out, should disaster strike.
KEEP SOME SPACE BETWEEN YOU
Keep at least 6-feet between yourself and your fishing buddy as you make your way across the ice. Less thick areas of ice may be passable by one, but not by two.
READ THE SIGNS
Many lakes have aeration systems that provide an open area of water so that fish receive enough oxygen. Aerated areas are usually marked with diamond shaped thin ice signs or are fenced off. Stay clear of these areas. Ice is often weak and thin as many as 12-feet beyond these points.
WATCH THE COLOR
According to the Michigan DNR, ice color can say a lot. Watch for gray, dark, or porous ice spots, which usually indicate soft ice. "Stale" or "spoiled" ice is slushy and usually thin. Hard, blue colored ice is usually indicative of strong, thick ice.
KEEP SOMETHING SHARP NEARBY
If the worst happens and you fall in, you'll need something sharp to dig into the slippery ice to pull yourself to safety. Experienced fishermen carry a pair of picks, ice claws, Bear claws, large nails, or even screwdrivers tied together. Whatever you choose, make sure it's light enough not to sink to the bottom if it hits the water, too. Keep the tools in a jacket pocket or tied to your mitts for easy access. Keeping a long rope in your vehicle or shack can also protect against tragedy.
TRAVEL SAFETY
MOTORIZED GUIDELINES
If you're getting there by ATV, you'll need no less than 5-inches of clear ice to do it safety. Cars and light trucks require 10-12-inches in ice thickness, and snowmobiles need 6-inches. If you're leaving your car on the ice, especially at the beginning or end of the season, move it often. Parking heavy vehicles in one place over a long period of time weakens the ice. Also, never park near cracks or pressure ridges.
KNOW HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY
Should the ice begin to crack or your partner slips into a hole, know what to do.
WHEN ICE BEGINS TO CRACK, walk away from the crack in the direction you came from. Move to shore as quickly as possible.
IF YOU FALL IN, move to the edge of the ice where you fell in (that's where the ice is strongest) and immediately, and use a sharp object to pull yourself from the water. Most deaths while ice fishing are not caused by drowning, but rather, by hypothermia. After you fall in, you'll only have a few minutes to get yourself out before your body becomes to stiff and affected by cold water temperatures to move. Once out, roll at least 6-feet from the hole before you attempt to stand.
WHEN SOMEONE ELSE GOES DOWN, never run toward them. You won't be any help if you're both in the hole. Laying on your stomach, extend a branch, pole, your auger, belt, jacket rope, ladder or line to the victim, and then pull them to safety.
HYPOTHERMIA
All ice fishermen should know the dangers of hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature dips below 86-degrees F. Hypothermia can result from exposure to wind, cold, water, and many other factors. If you suspect that one of your pals is suffering hypothermia, follow these guidelines:
1. Move the victim immediately to a warm area. If no warm area is available, lay some sort of insulation on the ground (blanket, clothes, etc.), place the victim on the insulation, and cover them with a blanket and other materials.
2. Check for heartbeat and breathing. If heartbeat is not present, begin CPR.
3. If you are a long distance from help or medical attention will not be available for some time, warm the victim using heating pads, hot water bottles and etc. Apply heat to the head, chest, neck and groin areas of the victim. NEVER apply heat to legs or arms or immerse the victim in hot water. This will cause the victim's body temperature to drop even lower. If a heat source is not available, strip your clothes off and use direct body-to-body, skin-to-skin contact to warm the victim.
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