flotation suit

[Guest]

Here in Ohio we have short ice seasons. 6-8 weeks at best, some years 2-4, some years none. Last year Erie never did freeze,(sniff, choke, sob). Inland we had about 4 weeks. I push the envelope in order to squeeze as many trips as I can out of a short season. I've fished on ice just under 2 inches, (perfect ice, no grouping), a couple of hundred feet away the water would be open. Even though I wear a vest and picks I still get paranoid walking on ice that was open just 3-5 days earlier, especially after dark when the nearest lanterns are a twinkle way off yonder. I was checking out Wiggy's site and they have a flotation suit ($300.00) which they advertise as very light weight with plenty of freedom of movement. Also claims to keep one warm in cold water. I mailed and ask if it would keep me warm on the open ice for a day and half the night. I also ask if I would sweat to death should I decide to drag my trap a mile or three. They replied that the suit would be excellent and recomended that I use their fishnet, nylon, long underwear,(another $70.00). I suppose the underwear was their way of addessing the sweat issue. So there you have it. Warm, waterproof, lightweight,no or little sweat, non-constricting, floatable, and no hypothermia in case of breakthrough. Sounds to good to be true. If it worked that well it would be worth the 400 dollar bill. But you know what they say about something that sounds to good to be true. Anybody ever use a flotation suit or know someone who did? If so, what about 'em?

[fishtrap2]

I hope my wife doesn't hear about this, or I may be spending this years Ice budget on something other than I planned. SHHHHHHHH

[Gissert]

Check out Mustang Floater Suits.

It sounds like this is what you are looking for.

[volksdriver]

I have been using a "Buoy-O-Buoy" brand floatation/survival suit for the past 3 years on both late season boating and ice fishing seasons. This brand is very similar to the Mustangs, I just found the "cut" to be more comfortable in this brand vs. the Mustang. I can honestly say that this was one of the BEST fishing investments I ever made, as it is very warm , comfortable, and is coast guard approved as a floatation device. (The last point is very important to a person that couldn't swim a stroke to save their life) As far as pricing goes, I can buy one of these suits here in Manitoba, Canada for $340.00 (reg. price CDN)which would equate to about $215.00 in U.S. funds.
These figures are before our taxes, which I believe Americans can claim back anyway. I don't hesitate in recommending these types of suits to any of my fishing partners. Hope this helps!!!