Here is some important
information to make your ice fishing
trip safer
and more enjoyable.
Never
Go Alone If Possible
Let your friends know exactly where you are going and when you will
return.
Wear
Layered Clothing
- Make sure you know how to
dress for cold weather by
using a
layering system. By layering you make it easier to remove or put
clothes back
on if you are getting too hot or too cold. Your initial layer should be
thermal underwear that draws away moisture.Your next layer
should be insulating like fleece, wool or flannel .
Your last or outside layer should be windproof and waterproof, your
jacket should be a down-filled coat with a hood.
- Remember to wear a warm
wool, fleece or knitted hat. Avoid
cotton because it does not hold heat well, especially when wet.
Hands
and Feet
- Boots hould be insulated,
waterproof or rubber boots.
- Wear liner socks plus a pair
of thick wool or non-cotton
socks.
- Wear your boots loosely
fitting to avoid cutting off
circulation of blood
to your lower extremities.
- Make sure to wear neoprene
or waterproof nylon mittens to
protect your
hands from the icy water as you land the big catch.
Items
to Carry
- a small bag of sand or kitty
litter to sprinkle around your
ice hole for better traction.
- An additional set of dry
clothes and socks in case you get
wet.
- High energy snacks and warm
drinks to fuel you through the
cold day.
- Rope to use in case your
friend falls through
the ice.
- First aid kit in case you
need to treat a minor injury.
- Matches stored in a
waterproof container or 35mm film
canister in case you need to start a fire.
- Home-made ice awls carried
in an easy to reach outer
pocket.
- PFD seat cushion to use as a
seat or flotation in case you
fall through the ice.
- Hand and foot warmers.
Watch
Where You Are Going
- Never fish in an area where
the ice is less than 4 inches
thick.
- Avoid areas where there are
feeder streams and
springs.
- Stay away from areas that
are dark, honeycombed or porous
ice.
You
Fall Through the Ice!
- If you fall through the ice,
don't panic, remain calm.
- Use your ice awls to pull
yourself up onto the safe ice.
- No ice awls? Try "swimming
out," which lets your body rise
and allows you to get onto firm ice.
- Use your legs to kick behind
you to keep from
going
under.
- If you can't get to safety,
call for help. Yell as loud as
you can.
- Slip your "loose boots" off
to make treading water easier.
- Keep your clothes on as they
will insulate you from
the icy water.
- Once on the ice, remain low
and ensure you distibute your
weight over
as much of the ice surface area as possible.
- If additional people fall
in, always remember to use Reach
(stick fishing, pole), Throw (rope, PFD, anything that floats), Row
(row or push a boat), Go (call for help).
Know
When Enough is Enough
- If you become wet,
immediately change into your dry clothes
and
seek out warmth .
- If you feel cold, it's
because you are cold. Head for home
.
- Keep an eye out
for frostbite (pale skin on
exposed flesh). Seek medical assistance.
- Watch out for signs
of hypothermia (shivering,
loss of judgment). Treat it with warm fluids, dry clothes, a blanket
and warm shelter.
- Stop fishing if you become
tired or cold. Remember that
there will always be plenty of other days to go ice fishing.