Ice Fishing

As inexplicable as it may seem to us "normal" people, there is among us a dedicated group of people who relish long, cold winter days and nights and are cheered on by the prospect of below-zero weather. These people will pass up a warm, comfortable couch and a football game in order to spend a winter afternoon sitting on a drywall bucket nervously watching a little frozen hole for the "big one". Nevertheless, a keen knowledge of bait, tackle, equipment, ice conditions, and rescue techniques can prove useful for the manly ice fisherman. Being prepared can not only prove useful, but can literally save your life.

As with any sport, there are general rules that must be followed in order to have an enjoyable time by all (and no guys, don't even think you're gonna get your wife, kids maybe, but wives no way, out there).

A general rule of thumb is that once you have determined the location (town & county) you will be fishing, be sure check their rules and regulations regarding ice fishing. Some counties have weigh limits, night fishing, and removal limits, and rules regarding ice fishing shacks, just to name a few.

Below are some things that we may not always think about when we head out to the ice, so I've taken the liberty of listing some helpful ways to stay safe.

Ice Conditions:

Every year, thousands venture out to the familiar lake or pond asking themselves the same question, is this lake/pond frozen enough to support my weight and equipment. Listed below is some helpful information in determining whether or not you should take that trek out to what you think is a frozen lake.

The safe load ice will bear is not entirely dependent upon its thickness; however, there are general rules of thumb to ensure a safe ice fishing experience.

A minimum of three inches of clear, blue lake ice, more preferably however is four inches, will safely hold a single angler and his equipment. Five inches will hold several anglers and their equipment provided they are walking single file. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear lake ice, so anglers should double the minimum thickness figures when encountering slush ice. Also bear in mind that ice deteriorates with age, so ice fishing late in the season is not a good idea.

Any lake with moving water, such as inlet canals, springs, or outlets should be regarded with skeptisim. Water movement, no matter how slight, retards freezing, leaving hard to detect thin spots. In general, be suspicious of any discolored ice. Imbedded weeds and logs also weaken ice. In addition, shore ice is also weakened from ground heat.

Rescue Techniques:

No matter how many precautions anglers take, a few of you might end up going through the ice this year. Your best defense is being prepared with basic survival techniques in the unlikely event you find yourself in freezing water.

Drowning is the most immediate danger; however, victims are usually able to keep their heads above water by clinging to the sides of the ice. Most fatalities occur from hypothermia. Hypothermia is a rapid, drastic lowering of the body's temperature which causes the loss of use of the limbs, disorientation, unconsciousness, and eventually heart failure.

Once you find yourself in the water, you have but a few crucial moments to extract yourself from the water before hypothermia will begin to set in. Most important is not to "thrash around" and waste precious energy. When you first hit the water, you will literally have your breath taken away. The freezing water will constrict your chest making it extremely difficult to breathe and thrashing around will only make it worse. Your best bet is to stay calm. You need to get out of the water before your hands become too stiff to use. After that, you must depend on rescuers to extract you.

Survival time in the water varies from 20 minutes to as long as 90 minutes. If the victim is large, wearing a good deal of clothing, remains still, keeps his head/neck out of the water, and draws his knees and arms to his chest, he will minimize heat loss and lengthen survival time. A thin, sparsely dressed person who thrashes about and exerts energy trying to free themselves will succumb to hypothermia more quickly.

Carrying spikes, in easy to reach pockets, can be dug into the slick ice around the hole can prove useful in getting yourself out of the water quickly. If however, you do not have spikes readily available, other items such as pocket knives, or ice cleats from your boots can provide a good grip on the slick ice. Once you have yourself extracted from the water, crawl or roll back along your path to a safe distance.

If, during your experience, you see someone go through the ice, be extremely cautious attempting a rescue. You do not want to end up in the water yourself. Try reaching for the victim with a sturdy object such as an ice auger, fishing pole, or anything that will allow you to remain a safe distance.

When the victim is removed from the water, immediate first aid is imperative for survival. Until the victim is removed from the cold environment, and placed in warm clothing, their body temperature will continue to drop, and the vital organs will continue to freeze adjusting to the colder surrounding tissue. In mild cases of hypothermia first aid procedures consist of shelter, dry clothing, and only if the victim is conscious and alert, hot liquids. Under no circumstances should the victim be given alcohol. Alcohol will diminish shivering resulting in reducing heat production.

Fortunately, rescue and first aid are very seldom necessary; however, this sport is constantly attracting newcomers each year, and even seasoned veterans are subject to mishaps now and then. It's always best to be prepared for even the most unexpected situation.

Being informed and prepared is your best offense for this growing sport. You should deter from fishing alone, but if you must, be aware of your surroundings and let family and friends know where you will be fishing. Carrying a cell phone can't hurt either.