Safety Question

[rod bender]

Had thought about buying the "SOSPENDERS" to wear while ice fishing and wondered if they would be to bulky when inflated and actually hinder you chances of climbing up on the ice. They also make a beltpack inflatable that might be the ticket. Any experiences out there that can help me make up my mind? I'd like to stay around to fish another day with the kids.

[SuddenlySummer]

I've never had to try it but I hear that if you dont have ice picks to pull yourself out you'll then want to float on your back in the water. Kick really hard to get on top of the ice. I don't think that the SOSpenders would get in the way of that.

[klbowe]

Don't Shoot , but... everyone has an opinion and you are about to smell mine.

I have seen people venture out on to too thin ice carrying ten foot poles and life jackets and ice picks in case they fall through.
They knew the ice was thin and so they purchased and carried theses items to save themselves and be the first ones out ice fishing. I have to ask if they are so sure they may fall through why risk it?

Spend the money on Mrs. Pauls or Red Lobster and wait until the ice is "safe".

We all know the saying "no ice is safe" if these items are being purchased with safety in mind I think they are well worth it. However my concern is if they are being purchased to enable a fisherman to get out there on early ice you need to think of your family or the familys of the EMT's or others who have to come to your aid.

Be safe, Everyone has there own idea of what is safe ice. Some go early, some go late and miss the early bite, some do not go at all.
Usually it is the early birds that we read about.

Be safe

[Guest]

klbowe
Great reply! Its not getting killed over. In the ice fishing edition of In-fisherman magazine (page 26-29)by Tom Mattsen there is an article on how to prepare yourself if you fall through, kicking is not one of them, it wears you out faster. Backstroke is the way. After reading it I can wait, picks or not. If going early? Take picks, a P.F.D. and a level head dont drink until back on shore.

[Surface Tension]

Going through the ice ends up in disaster when your not prepared. Plan for a self rescue. 3" of ice is recommended for walking. Most lakes don't freeze all at once so plan on ice thicknesses to vary.

Don't go on first ice alone.
Bring ice picks.
Bring a Monkey Fist or Throw Bag.
If the ice surface is smooth wear Ice Grippers. This will give you traction when pulling your buddy out.
Bring a spud bar to test the ice with every step.
If your not physically able to lift yourself onto the ice and crawl out wait for thicker ice.
If that little voice in your head tells you the ice is to thin then it must be.
A long pole or 2x4 will spread your weight out and span the ice if you do happen to go in.

[Cyberfish]

If you must go on thin ice, get one of those ice rescue suits that would keep you warm, dry and afloat. I actually think it would be fun playing on thin ice with one of these on. Just make sure you have ice picks too, it would get boring floating in an ice hole waiting till the ice melted so you could swim to shore! They are too expensive for me,like 400 big ones, so I will just wait til winter to icefish

[Guest]

Happy thanksgiving to all and be safe

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I don't drive fast, I fly low.

[This message has been edited by frozenminnow (edited 11-27-2003).]

[Bob Cunningham]

I think the SOS are a good idea even in the belt pack. I have been on 8" of ice and walked 100 yds. and found 2" anything that will keep you up and give you a chance to get on solid ground is good. Remember the word hypothermia this will kill you as much as drowning so get out and get help as fast as you can. Remember the other rule fish with a friend this can help save your life also.