Recommendations for Safe Ice Fishing

People interested in fishing share the same quality – they know how to enjoy the waiting. A lone angler sitting on the ice, seemingly relaxed but constantly alert to the bait’s movement – such image emerges when you listen to the stories about the fishing experience. However, the real thing includes the meticulous process of preparation for the trip. And everything becomes much more complicated when you decide to go fishing in winter.

Ice fishing is much different from one in the warm seasons. It requires special gear to catch the fish and, most importantly, to secure yourself during the attempt.

In this article, we discuss the equipment needed to begin the ice fishing trip.

Here we give only general advice to accustom you to the topic. If you plan an ice fishing trip, consult with the experts and take care.

Safety measures: several rules to avoid any harm

Ice fishing has a lot in common with arranging a hike in the cold seasons. Apart from the primary task, you need to protect your body from cold and dangers hiding in nature in the winter. Also, you may consider purchasing an ice fishing tent or an ice hut if you plan a long trip.

1. Choose layers over the warmest jacket

You may run against jackets or thermal clothing that promise to save you from cold in minus million temperature. However, it doesn’t mean that wearing it on a t-shirt will work. The best way to stay warm is to use a many-layered outfit. An example of a set is thermal clothing, wool socks, fleece, and a softshell jacket. You also want to have with you another pair of pants that will go over the thermal one. Protect hands with gloves and take a buff with you. Apart from keeping warm, you’ll also need to let the residual moisture out. That’s why you need to choose garments that have proper moisture circulation.

Moreover, you need to have a different set for an active period, when you set up the place for fishing, and for a passive one, when you sit in one place and wait. A long waiting can lead your body to the agony from cold, so take the suitable clothing. The best way is to consult with experienced ice anglers, who will share their ways of staying alive on the ice.

Another important detail – your external layer must be waterproof. Also, wear a pair of rubber-soled boots.

2. Check the ice’s thickness

Evidently, you won’t step on the ice without knowing whether it’d handle your weight. But the ice can be alluring, so don’t believe your eyes right away and check with your hands. Use the tools like a spud bar or a drill to pierce the ice and measure it. Stick to these measurements:

• a minimum of 4 inches for people
• at least 6 inches for sleds
• a minimum of 7–12 inches for light cars
• at least 14–16 inches for full-sized trucks

Moreover, there is such thing as “rotten ice“. It’s possible to spot because it has a different color. You need to be careful not to stand on it as it’s melting and is filled with cavities and tunnels.

3. Get in touch with local rangers or land authorities

First, you may need permission to fish on a specific territory. Second, if somebody knows where you are and what you are doing, they will know if something goes wrong. Winter fishing is alluring, but the ice may easily turn into your deathbed. Notify your close ones about your plans and try to make a trip with somebody to help you if a disaster occurs. 

Moreover, we recommend contacting the local bait and tackle shop. They may tell you more about the local situation with the ice fishing and advise on the spot to choose.

Essential gear to protect you on the ice

Here is a shortlist with the core equipment that will enable the activity. You can make a list longer, but the items below are a must for the trip.

• Metal cleats for traction on the ice. People knew something when they came up with the idea of ice slates. If you step on the ice without cleats, you won’t move far. The situation will be even more challenging because of the equipment you carry. It will simply drag you down.
• An ice spud to check the ice ahead. If you’ve measured the ice in one spot, it doesn’t mean that it has the same thickness on every part of the water basin. Take a spud to check the spot before moving on it.
• A life vest. One thing you wish you’ll never be necessary.
• A whistle in case you get into trouble. It’s simple but efficient. Due to shock, you mightn’t be able to get any sound out of your mouth, and the whistle may save your life.

Equipment for ice fishing

And finally, we come to the gear you’ll need to perform the activity. We don’t go into details, but check a Wikipedia page and watch practitioners on YouTube if you need more.

• Small, 2-3 foot rod, fluoro line, or tip-up.
• Ice auger.
• Fish picker.
• Ice scoop.
• A comfortable chair to spend many hours in.
• A sled to take the weight from your back.
• A bucket for fish and equipment.
• One of the wood burning tent stoves. If you camp nearby on the shore, a stove is a perfect option to warm your tent, prepare food, and dry clothes.

To wrap it up

Planning is a must. Fishing may seem like a slow and peaceful activity, but it may end badly without proper preparation. Protect yourself and good luck!