Don't let your enthusiasm get the better of you...

[bucketOsticks]

This can be a really dangerous time for those that try to be the first out on the ice. High winds and very low tempratures coupled with sketchy and uneven ice can mean disaster if you're not careful.

My father in law was fishing on French Lake in the Faribault area on Sunday and fell through the ice in water that was over his head...luckily he had two people with him and a life vest on, or I might be going to a funeral instead of work this morning.

Getting out there a week early isn't worth your life! Be careful out there.

Nick

[SomethingFishy*]

Well said, It's good to see these real life reminders, our brains tend to become pudding when we get excited about that early ice fishing.

[Bob Clausen]

Nick, Thanks for sharing and am glad your father in law made it. Am mostly responding to get this back to the top of the board. I went through the ice many years ago and was alone. Still don't know how I made it out but do remember the half mile (tin man type)walk back to my truck was one of the toughest jobs I've ever completed. If you haven't noticed, I get really fired up when people treat ice as if it's akin to the risk of a croquet game on the lawn. Thanks for sharing! Sorry if I'm sounding like an expert, COACH.