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Ice
Fishing Tips
©
By Othmar Vohringer
The
winter is coming. The first nights of frost have been a clear
indication of
winter’s imminent approach. Around here many fishers look
forward to the day
when the lakes are frozen over. Ice fishing is a big sport in Canada,
maybe not
as big as Ice hockey but close.
Ice
fishing is great fun for the whole family. If you haven’t
tried it yet you
should and by observing a few common sense tips ice fishing is a very
safe
activity.
1.
Before you leave, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to
return. Survival experts suggest that if you are not back by that time,
the
person should call for help.
2.
Leave your car on shore. According to statistic, 68 percent of ice
fatalities in involve a vehicle. Ice must be much thicker and more
stable to
support the weight of a car or truck, or even a snowmobile.
3.
Make sure there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice, with no open
water or melting ice near shore. Open water and melting indicate unsafe
ice.
Carry an ice spud or chisel to check the thickness of the ice as you
proceed.
4.
Always go fishing with a companion.
5.
Always wear a life jacket on the ice and carry some clothing (a jacket,
pants
and a pair of socks) in a watertight container or plastic bag. Should
you fall
into the water it is important to get out of the wet clothing and
quickly into
dry clothing. In very clod weather and wearing wet clothing it only
takes
minutes for hypothermia to set in.
6.
Carry two ice picks, handspikes, or screwdrivers tied together with
cord so
that you can pull yourself out if you do fall in.
7.
Carry an 8 to 10 feet rope as a safety line to drag your buddy out if
necessary.
8.
Carry a cell phone to call for assistance.
9.
Carry flares or an emergency signal marker so that you can be seen if
you
need to be rescued in a storm. Other storm survival equipment includes
chemical
hand warmers, flashlight and batteries, chemical light sticks, compass,
reflective "space" blankets, portable camp stove with fuel, pocket
knife or pocket tool, and matches or a lighter.
10.
Dress appropriately in several layers. Ice fishing is a passive
activity
and the wind on an open lake adds to the cold. Once you on the location
build
some form of wind shelter with a simple tarp or a commercial ice
fishing shack.
10.
Bring along a snack consisting of chocolate and other high calorie
foods to
fuel your body. A thermos with hot coffee or tee will help too to warm
you up.
Alcohol, the old standby, is not recommended. While alcohol will warm
you up it
is only temporarily before you will feel even colder as the alcohol
opens the
pores on the skin and lets body warmth escape.
----------------------------------
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Unauthorized use will be detected. Any
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or part, in any media is prohibited unless expressly granted by the
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information,
see the copyright
notice.
Contact the Author.
I welcome assignments from hunting
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newspapers and outdoor product manufactures. Send for queries and
requests by email.
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