Planks

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

What do you all use for planks when the ice starts moving out? I think by Saturday the ice around the shores at my cabin will be starting to move out so i need to find something to use... Just some 2x4's or wont that hold enough weight? just dont want to find out the hard way!

Thanks,

Ryan

[dairyman]

2x6's or 8's--or as my son-in law said ---extension ladder

[hawkeye43]

I use waders to get to good ice. Its open 15' from shore in front of my house. the good part is it only 3' deep, out 200'from shore.

[polarsusd81]

Waders vote #2. I wear them all the time during late ice. That way you can kneel down near the hole you are fishing and don't get wet too. If you need planks, 2x8 up to 2x12 is nice. I have made the bridge a few times over the years.

[PerchPounder]

Step ladder with a 2x4 works well too. It makes it a little easier to walk on when you dont have to worry about hitting the rungs.

[hanson]

Planks for people crossing?? Not too big a deal.

Planks for vehicle crossing are a more serious topic altogether.

[Boogaard]

dont forget the life jackets and ice picks!. Fallen through a few times and it sure makes it a lot easier trying to climb out of freezing water. If i have real doubts i usually hook the 4wheeler winch to myself.

[blackdog1101]

 Originally Posted By: Boogaard

dont forget the life jackets and ice picks!. Fallen through a few times and it sure makes it a lot easier trying to climb out of freezing water. If i have real doubts i usually hook the 4wheeler winch to myself.

Wouldn't this be a problem if the wheeler went down? I've got visions of the wheeler going down and you shooting across the ice and down with it.

[mr_jman]

yeah I would imagine the wheeler is heavier than you are... and don't you have to drive the wheeler to move it?????

Anyways a step latter works pretty well. You could also lay a board over it to make it even safer.

[CNCMike]

Canoe. Well, planks of 2 X 6 work well, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty late ice, or early ice for that matter, I bring the canoe. Sit in it while ice fishing and I stay dry with no worry that i may fall through. Makes crossing open water quite simple.

[Tom7227]

Don't wheelers float, but upside down? I guess the benefit of the winch is that you can use the cable to pull yourself out.

How about a cell phone in a plastic bag to make a call if things really go sour? If you're at a place that has service it may be of use. Also if things really go bad they can use the signal to drag for you once the ice goes out completely.

[GoFish4]

An old 3 wheeler would float, but even though I haven't tried, im guessing my Sportsman would sink pretty fast. Too much weight for them 4 tires to hold up.

[irvingdog]

Waders=death if you go through the ice.

Lost an old family friend to death by drowning wearing waders.

[Stick in Mud]

I've never seen anyone in a canoe on the ice before!!! Do you pull the canoe behind you if you are on the ice, or do you paddle/push yourself while on the ice, or do you just stick to the open water and avoid the ice altogether?

[anyfishwilldo]

Years ago in the red lake crappie heyday, we would go 3-400 yards with the wheeler towing the canoe behind with our gear and extra people.

[Kyle Sandberg]

2x6 to 2x12 Maybe an extension ladder.

I also want to add that 2x6 are plenty strong. On consturtion sites, they use 10' or longer pieces of 2x6 as walking planks and they hold up to a lot of weight! Got a spring to it.

[magnum mike]

How about this...STAY OFF THE BAD ICE! Sping is coming. There isn't one fish in all of our lakes that is worth drowning for.

Clean out your tackle box, string new line on your summer rods or just sit in the boat and make funny motor noises. Be safe.

[SSSTaxidermy]

In my younger days, I used a step-ladder, or walked out a distance with my waders. The good old days and it sure was fun….

Not any more! If I need fish that bad, I go buy it at the grocery store.

[Dean Schellinger]

I am out on the ice until I cannot get out there, best panfishing of the year without of a doubt. The past few years the ice is so bad you have to make sure to run across the crack lines or else they sink and you will go under.

I certainly wouldnt be doing it in 6+ FOW but I am fishing in the shallows and could just stand up if I were to go down.

[CNCMike]

"Do you pull the canoe behind you if you are on the ice, or do you paddle/push yourself while on the ice, or do you just stick to the open water and avoid the ice altogether? "

I generally push the canoe in front of me as it makes it easier to jump in if something happens. If you are pulling it behind you and crash through, you aren't turning around and getting in it as quickly. Once I am in my fishing spot I sit in it the whole time as well. Works out pretty well.

I have a buddy that uses a rubber raft also. Smaller and more light weight than a canoe but does essentially the same thing. Loads up the little gear he needs and drags it out with him then sits in it the entire time he is fishing.

We look like fools out there, but it adds a level of safety and security that you aren't getting otherwise.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I never thought about the waders being bad because if they fill up with water when you fall thru you will sink like someone said above. Good Point! granted I am only fishing in 4 feet of water maybe 5 but bad things could still happen... I might try to make it out one last time this weekend at my cabin near Siren, WI. I hope the ice will hold and according to the weather peoples it is supposed to be relatively cold with lows below freezing yet! Last weekend the bluegill bite was amazing and i caught 5 or 6 at 8.5" or above. Ice was still froze solid to the shores so i am thinking it should be all good!

Here is my favorite picture from the weekend releasing a 8.75" gill!

Later,

Ryan