Babies/Children on ice?

[muskielaw]

So my son will be 6 months by the time roads start getting plowed on the biggger lakes and am wondering if I am nuts to even think of taking him out on the ice to stay in a sleeper shack? I am not talking about taking him out onto the avg lakes but am thinking of spending a weekend with the family at one of the resort shacks on the bigger lakes where they are plowing the roads and monitoring ice thickness. What are peoples thoughts and how old were your kids on their first venture out ice fishing?

Muskie

[IcerRon2010]

I would wait. You have to think about the what if's. I have a 2.5 year old neice and I will be taking her out this year. In previous years I was always freaked out about the circumfrance of the whole and the size of my neice. Just something to think about.

[TyGuy02]

I'm in pretty much the same situation as you (mine is 9 months old) and I really want my son to fish, but I'm going to wait a couple more years. My thinking is that I'm going to wait until he knows a little more about what's going on and be able to follow orders if something was to happen. Just my 2 cents but I'm waiting

[Stick in Mud]

I dunno. I suspect that, if you wait until the resorts have plowed roads (and if you stay on them), it's probably just as dangerous to drive up there in the winter time than it is to drive on the lake. Not sure of the data, though.

[CAMAN]

I don't really see the big deal. People bring babies on boats all the time, not much different other than colder. The earlier they start the better chance it will become a passion when they are adults. Just use common sense, which it seems like you are. And obviously if we have another winter with ice conditions like we had last year don't bring him.

[pushbutton]

I have had Jr. out on the lake since he was 2 months old, but the only time I was really able to fish was when he was sleeping. Other than that it was just a really long day in a really small space, but it was preferable than being home....but that is a different story for a different day Yes, the holes scared the bejeezes out of me. Had my own shack and they were ALWAYS covered with just the just an inch or so open so the rattle reel line could fit down. Always made sure to double and triple check to make sure I brought extra food, water, formula, medicine, toys, battery/charging equipment, fuel for heat even a portable back up heater(had to use it one time)....never forget the strap in bouncy seat! Make sure you have access to updated weather. Don't drink...much.....had to leave at 3 am one time because of the croup...also had to deal with a 103+ fever. Don't plan on fishing! If the child is crawling, you have to keep the place clean and quadruple check for fallen hooks and unattended rigged up rods. If this sounds like a good time...go for it I am, seriously glad I did though Now, if your wife thinks this would also be fun, great. But, would not suggest to bring her along to take care of the kid while you get to fish.....

[LakeDocktor]

I definitely will have my son out on the ice this year. He will be 1.5 years by the time we have save ice. You can bet that I will keep an extra eye on him, but I will also put catch covers in for a little more reassurance.

[MNCPRGUY]

Bring him! It's a family tradition in my house. Have been taking the kids for 2 nights in a sleeper shack since they were babies and I have never regretted it. Sure, my daughter kicked an expensive flashlight down the hole and buried a hook in MY thumb once, but it's all part of the experience. We call in family bonding. :-)

[traveler]

I think for a child that young, pushbuttons response sums it up...YOU can still go, given the understanding that it will cut into your fishing time considerably; still better than sitting at home!!

The bonding/getting them started/starting a family tradition thing all kicks in as he/she gets a little older, which is of course a very good thing.

I think if you take all the precautions mentioned here and understand the limitations, theres really no reason not to bring 'em.

[McGurk]

Another thing to think about... If you plan on doing this, look at your options of emergency rooms/urgent cares/clinics that will be in your network. I had to take my at-the-time 5 month old in earlier this summer while we were away from home, and it brought up some interesting thoughts and a very panicked wifey. All was fine, though, and I think I'll personally hold off on bringing him out this winter as I don't have a permy. I am taking my 4 yr old out in the portable, though!

[StillwaterAaron]

I have taken my son out of the ice since he was only months old. Last year I had a scare when he did fall into a hole he was 2.5 and this year he will be out again but wearing a life jacket. Even the day he when down the hole he asked to go back out and fish. At 6 months old it is easier than when they start to walk.

[fishersofmen]

Get a babysitter and enjoy your free time away!!

[muskE]

Can he hold a rod at 6 mos? While the car seat won't fit down even a 10" hole it's not worth the wife aggro, the risk of getting stuck, etc. I'd wait a year and start building your traditions then.

When he's walking you will find that you won't be fishing much as you're going to be scanning the ice for holes, etc. Get a permie (even a cheap one) with a warm floor to help them stay comfortable and you will have more ice time. Some guys bring portable DVD's but I prefer an underwater camera which is like kiddie-crack when the sunnies come in to feed. They associate what they see with what they feel on the rod and helps develop their fishing skills and fast-twitch reaction times.

[sfd]

I took my daughter out when she was only weeks old and my son when he was a few months. Now they're 5 and 4 and super excited for ice fishing. So I'd say do it.

SFD

[mainbutter]

Don't forget, at 6 months old he's not capable of forming long term memories.

It'll be for your benefit to bring him along, not his.

[fisherman-andy]

Everyone is entitled to their own respected opinion. Is it okay? I think its never ok because its never 100% safe. I cannot determine the safety conditions while out on the hardwater no matter how safe one thinks it is, I go by one rule that their only safe when their not on the ice. I will not bring babies or toddlers for vast safety concerns that cross my mind more then I can say on here. Besides the point you will likely be babysitting more then fishing. It would be a pretty rare situation for me to even consider or risk such an action.

In part I will only bring my child or children when I think their old enough to reallly start enjoying ice fishing. At about age 3 I brought my boy out to go ice fishing with me the first time and was next to him the whole way without walking away. He was by then able to hold a fishing pole and understand how to reel up a fish once it bit. Joyous moments im sure for all of us to see a little one experience the thrill.

[Getanet]

I'm expecting my first this winter, and I personally wouldn't do it. My primary fear would be being so far from a hospital in case anything were to happen. My friends just had their first baby this summer, and their daughter has had a few seizures. I'm sure I'd panic if I was in my living room when that happened, much less a few miles out on a lake, not sure how to get to the nearest ER or where it even is, and hoping I get service on my phone.

It's up to you, but if you do go I would be sure to bring directions to the nearest hospital, just in case.

[muskielaw]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Although I know my 4 month old is the smartest 4 month old there is (wink wink) I know he will not be able to fish at 6 months old. It is more just time to spend with the family on the ice as my wife likes to get out every once in a while as well. I see everyones point about the child being able to get hurt and having a hospital around but that is a concern no matter where you are or what you are doing with a baby/child. Happens sitting in your own home more then anywhere. I will wait and see but think that I will be comfortable brining him out on resort roads that are plowed with with the one tons even if it is just to babysit!!

[fowldreams]

Bring him with. My sons been going with the wife and I since he was 4 months old. Bring the play pen and dont get upset when some things go down the hole. It is all part of the experience. We heated his bottles up with a mobile car heater that goes in the cigarette lighter. I don't regret it at all . Enjoy every moment you can

[Pleasant]

I feel just to many things that can just go wrong winter fishing, so this year, will be the first year I will take my 4 year old grandson out with me. He is good fisherman, but I plan on not fishing much when he is with me. Summer time different story, As I remember my Son I had on the lake when he was 2 weeks old.

[Lucky Dogg]

I've had my son "Shorty" on the ice since 6mo. He is ten now and tells everyone how to fish their holes. Never had an issue with age being a problem. You have a better chance of losing your cell down the hole vs. your child!

[Iambjm]

If you go to Mille Lacs, there are hospitals around, Upper Red not much around there. We were at Mille Lacs one year and the wind was so brutal it drifted all our driveways in, we couldn't have gone anywhere even if we wanted to. But I do applaud parents who are willing to spend time with their kids.

[Finns]

You have a better chance of losing your cell down the hole vs. your child!

Both could fit down the hole. Which is easier to replace?

[mww24]

I've been taking my step son since he was 4. Always have had a blast. You need to watch them like a hawk. I was packing up one day and told him to stay far away from the holes we drilled. Turned to put something in the sled. Turned back he was knee deep in a hole. We had a 300 yard walk back to the car in sub freezing temps. His snow pants froze solid almost instantly. I asked a guy with a wheeler to drive us to the launch and explained why I was asking. He helped no questions asked. He probably saved my kid a bit of frostbite. That said. He's never done it again and he's my fishing partner 99% of the time. This year I have a 9 month old as of now. I may bring him along for a short trip around home once he can walk o.k. Just so he can play on the ice with big bro. I think a child that young stuck in a small house would get bored and cranky and may put a damper on the whole trip. Bottom line is you baby will be as safe as you make it for the most part. You just need to decide if they can spend that time in such a small space. I know mine would get bored and eventually freak out.

[broman]

Another thing to think about is allergies. My youngest is allergic to fish and if he even tastes fish his mouth and eyelids start to swell up. You'll be out on the ice without much to wash your hands with properly and that fish residue could end up near the little one. We found out a few years ago when he was 3. Out on the ice is not the best time to find that out. I personally would wait until at least 3 and even then only fish with an 8" hole. I've taken my son ice fishing since however, but only in the metro where I know there are multiple hospitals near by and epipens.