Thursday, February 19, 2015

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

If you are planning on going ice fishing before the season is over, make sure you take the necessary precautions to stay safe out there! Ice fishing can be one of the most fun types of fishing, but ice and cold water has the potential to make things pretty dangerous.




Local weather conditions can affect the ice from day to day and many lakes are covered with thin, unstable ice!

Before You Leave

Before you head out, make sure to let someone know where you are planning to fish and when you plan on getting back. It's also smart to use the buddy system. Take a friend with you! Walk apart when going across the ice in case one of you falls through.


Have the Right Equipment

The right equipment is essential for safety while ice fishing. Being prepared with proper gear can prevent injuries and accidents. Some good equipment ideas include:

-You are going to want to wear ice cleats to avoid slipping.
-An ice spud bar to test the ice in front of you.
-You should carry a pair of long spikes or ice fishing picks on a string around your neck. That way, if you fall through the ice, you can use the spikes to grip the ice and pull yourself up. 
-It's also a good idea to carry a rope to throw to someone who falls through the ice.


Things to Keep in Mind

Here I will add a few side notes to keep you safety oriented. First, if you bring children, DO NOT leave them unsupervised on the ice. You never know what could happen to them. 

Also, watch the ice. Blue ice is usually solid. Watch out for opaque, gray or dark spots that could be weak areas of ice. Keep in mind that ice tends to thin more quickly at the shoreline.

Most unsafe ice is most often seen around the beginning and end of the season, when it is warmer, so keep that in mind as well.



On more of a fun note, to have a more exciting fishing experience, treat your lure with Spectrum Response!








 

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