first foot on first ice do you stomp on it .

[robert1965]

OK all seems good, walk a bit drill a hole looks OK. now I cant wait to get set up, [PoorWordUsage] I can see though the ice. I remember times with four five inches of ice, every movement had me on edge. I can also remember catching a lot on new ice.

[7outof10]

no i dont becouse i got my buddy walking out 20 feet in front of me lol ....

[polarsusd81]

I never stomp on new ice. I check it with the spud bar as I go. If water soaks through with two whacks, I am heading back to the shore line.

[skee0025]

no i dont becouse i got my buddy walking out 20 feet in front of me lol ....

Wish I could say the same, but the response I get is "your wearing the Arctic Armor, you go first"

[Sonicrunch]

I do

if I am no more than 10 feet from shore.

[Snake River King]

I have my floating life jacket with, a rope, ice pick on the boots, and my Mill lacs ice chisel with me and I just stab the ice as I walk.

[snoozebutton]

no i dont becouse i got my buddy walking out 20 feet in front of me lol ....

That's the secret, have a buddy that's fearless and weighs more than you.

[Boss Hogg]

My buddy has a number 14 shoe and a number 6 hat. He is perfect for the job.

[Bigeye30"]

I use the chisel, two chops and no water your good to go, one chop and seeping water It's a little early, one chop and all the way through, It's back to shore asap. For everyone that sends the buddy out first, don't forget that the ice may be strong enough for one person but after that person has passed he may have put enough stress onto it that it may not be strong enough to support the next guy, first ice can be fun with excellent rewards, but it's certainly not worth a life, just be prepared and use the common sense that we were given.

[tisosy11]

Snake River King...I'm glad you have a floating life jacket. Not sure what good a life jacket is that didn't float!!!

[Snake River King]

lol! True.

[Dan Brelje]

[tip_upclyma]

Hey Bigeye...that is possibly the FATTEST Walleye I have ever seen in your picture!!!!! How much did that Momma weigh! GGGEEEEZZZZ!!!!

[gritsnham]

I would not stomp because it will either give you security or get you wet...use a spud bar!

[Jesse Drummer]

Do you people that use a "chisel" just use the one that you clear off th eice on your side walk? is a heavier bar better? how about the width of the tip?

[fishinJohn]

I carry a 2 foot solid steel bar that used to be part of a horse shoe set. I think heavy and fairly small surface area contacting the ice is most important. I have stood on ice that my bar went through in one swing; time to start slowly walking backwards.

[Jim Almquist]

Do you people that use a "chisel" just use the one that you clear off th eice on your side walk? is a heavier bar better? how about the width of the tip?

I use a ice fishing chisel (spud) that is home made by a friend that is around 5' long with a beveled tip that is around 2" wide. I guess it is sorta old school but back when it was the only way to cut a hole (pre motorized augers)in the ice. I just give it a poke in the ice and then one more in the same spot. I want it to take at least 3 before it brings up any water or its time to turn around. The first couple of trips the seat cushion life preserver is close at hand and is always along on every trip along with 50' of rope.

[PmDavis300]

why is it called a spud bar anyways, doesnt look like a potato??

[Bigeye30"]

I use what's nicknamed the spud bar as well, homemade as well, steel bar prob 5' long with a sharpened wedged end probably 2-3" in length. They can get a little heavy after awhile but they are worth it.

I don't recall if I weighed it, measured like 28" if I remember, caught it last ice season. CPR for another day. My guess is probably about 9lbs or so.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

I will stomp if I am on shore or not to far from it but once im out there a ways I use a spud bar although I just use the wooden style one with the metal blade on it.. cheaper and I like the wood handle doesn't get as cold, cheaper..

Ryan

[bgreen82]

that thing cant only weigh 9 lbs.

[Snake River King]

good lord, that is a big walleye! I always thought that 30 inchs was 10lbs, but that one is FAT JEEZ

[Reservoir Dawg]

Do you people that use a "chisel" just use the one that you clear off th eice on your side walk? is a heavier bar better? how about the width of the tip?

I just use the longest cheapo crow bar that Menards sells. I walk along with it like a cane smacking the ice every few steps. Works good for me.