Ice- Who's the Bravest or not very smart?

[Splash44]

I drove by a lake on Hwy 169 just west of Calumet yesterday and saw it was froze over.I would like to see who's the first person to hit the ice and where? Give the the general area and how you did. I wouldn't want you to give up your secret lake or anything.

[Fur Fish and Feathers]

Was on the Upper St. Louis River Sat, Sun, Mon and Yesterday........it was getting bad yesterday and with rain over night I wouldn't venture back out. The fishing was "really good" though.

[Bobb-o]

people were ice fishing up here in bemidji over the weekend

[Northlander]

Last Sun? Not saying where.

[smartguy]

There were a few lakes in the Bemidji area with safe ice this last weekend. We ice fished two lakes, one of which had 5-6 inches of ice. (The other one had up to 3 1/2 inches on parts)

The warm temps have changed this, however! I don't plan being out again for awhile.

[Jackpine Rob]

This topic ain't no joke guys. Lost a few friends this way. If you do decide to take off on the new ice, for gosh sake take some precautions. Ice picks are a good start, and a life jacket is a good idea. Darn near bought the farm myself about 20 years ago, and my Gerber folding hunter pulled me up, when my own good sense failed me.
Now I wait a bit, and make sure things are hunky-dory. Fish aren't worth dying for.

[student]

Last year a buddy and I were walking out on a lake in early Dec. that had a good ten inches of ice over it. Go figure when we find the one spot with about an inch. Must have been a spring or something. Anyhow, never been so scared in all my life. Felt my heart stop as the ice let go beneath us. Nothing happened to us....we didn't even lose a pole, but it certainly could have been worse. Hardest part was getting back on top of the ice. As much as I don't wish this upon anyone, I know I'll respect the cold water for the rest of my life.

[Northlander]

I agree a PFD and Ice Picks and Spikes on boots are the thing this early! Carry a spud and toss it into the ice a few feet before you. If it goes threw go home! I was watching tip ups from shore and made sure I had enough ice for sure!

[Guest]

Lets face it people anyone that actually is crazy enough to go out on the ice right now is crazy. Northlander? How does a spud show if its safe? And would this be the same as throwing marshmellows out on the ice? I have seen rocks not go through ice I wouldn't walk on. I am hoping that you are joking on that one. people its not safe but give it a couple days with the cold after the snow and it may be good enough to toss a spud out.
Remember the 4 S's

Smart = Safe
Stupid = Sorry

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Fish On! This is
what it's all about baby!

[This message has been edited by frozenminnow (edited 11-24-2003).]

[Lunker]

Deer opener a few years back I watched some guys up north of grand rapids out ice fishing(about 5 people inc. the kids) when only half the lake had any ice on it. Seriously, half the lake was open water, and the half they were on, way out in the middle I may add, couldnt have been more than an inch thick. I'll wait for about 4 or 5 thanks very much.

[Paul Waldowski]

Frozenminnow,

Northlander is referring to a spud BAR. Kind of like a huge heavy chisel on a pole. Used to test ice thickness, reopen old holes, or chisel larger holes for spear fishing.

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Paul
[email protected]
Marcum
Otter Outdoors

[jigglestick]

i am a fan of early ice, but i am not of slight stature, and do not venture over my head on thin ice. on of my favorite lakes has some of it's best walleye offerings early season. in fact the earlier the better, but i would sacrifice a few early outings for a little more confindence in the integrity of the frozen water that will support the father of my children.
refer to the post on the grand rapids forum.
be safe. you will find winter lasts a long time.

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keep your stick on the ice!! jigglestick I.B.O.T.#5 have you clamped today???

[IceHawk]

Jigglestick I totaly agree!!!!

[Steve Foss]

Also, Northlander stands about 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and I know the spot he was in. It's about 4 feet deep where his tip-ups are. Not that a tall guy can't drown in shallow water, but it adds a safety factor.

Wish I had another crack at that walleye spot, N'lander, but now that I've moved away it's all yours again.

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"Worry less, fish more."
Steve Foss
[email protected]

[Splash44]

I also agree with jigglestick.There is no fish worth dying for!Im just itching to get out on the ice myself,but Im going to wait for another week or 2 before I venture out there.With all the snow we got up here the ice probably isnt very solid. Play it safe if you do go onto the ice!