Word of caution

[CarlF]

Ice fishing season is ALMOST upon us. It looks like someone went through trying to get on Mantua this morning. If the lake isn't capped, there probably isn't safe ice.

Be safe out there and wait a little longer - it isn't worth the risk.
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[Springbuck]

Yep, be safe as you possibly can.

I work in the big IMC E.R. in Murray, and accidents all have one thing in common, it seems: someone who absolutely knows what they are doing (usually true, no sarcasm intended), and that one thing that has changed, or they didn't expect, or they just forgot. So, lower your odds.

But, to be honest, this is one thing I look for every year. The first guy to go through, the first report of ALMOST thick enough ice, or similar. Then I make sure the weather maintains cold temps overnight for 48-72 hours before I try it, and then I do so CAUTUOUSLY.
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[albinotrout]

Yes it's cold but not cold enough.
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[ratnest]

On the Mantua fall through, it sounds like a non fisherman. While walking dogs, a dog went on the ice and fell through. The owner went to rescue the dog. And ended up going in as well.

Utah lake looked mostly capped this morning. Yesterday afternoon Echo res. had some ice right up on the edge is all.
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[Troll]

Early season ice caution;

1. Never go alone.

2. Keep your distance from each other. You can't help if you are in the hole with your buddy.

3. Wear a PFD. It may be a bit bulky, but it will keep you floating, just like in the summer.

4. Trail a 100' hank of rope behind you. It may be a bit of a pain to not step on, but if you go through your buddy doesn't have to waste time getting a rope to you, they just need to grab the end that is not in the hole and pull you out.

5. Keep a change of clothes and a sleeping bag in the vehicle. If you go in, get the wet things off, the dry things on and get in the bag. Some chemical heat pads will help too.

No fish is worth losing your life for. Think of your wife and kids before you go out on the ice, if you have doubts, don't go out there. Live to fish another day. Find a stream that is open and fish there, from the bank.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Good tips. We should all follow them better than we do. Thanks J
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[wiperhunter2]

[quote ratnest]On the Mantua fall through, it sounds like a non fisherman. While walking dogs, a dog went on the ice and fell through. The owner went to rescue the dog. And ended up going in as well. [/quote]
It is amazing how foolish people can be when it comes to their pets. I saw that report on the news last night and had to wonder what the lady was thinking. If the pet fell through the ice, what chance did she have of walking on thin ice.[crazy] Sounds like she was very lucky that a city worker came by when he did, a few more minutes in that icy water and she would not have made it. Glad she made it out ok.
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[Charina]

[quote wiperhunter2]It is amazing how foolish people can be when it comes to their pets. I saw that report on the news last night and had to wonder what the lady was thinking. [/quote]My thoughts exactly. Most dogs are well more capable of getting themselves out than any human is. I feel bad for the lady, but if she wasn't fit enough to get herself out, what on earth was she thinking going out on ice that wouldn't hold a dog? WTH? I've gone through, up to my neck, and got out on my own. It's not simple, but most certainly possible with a reasonable level of capabilities.

The attempted rescue of a dog that was more than capable of caring for itself reminded me of the below post, which made me laugh very hard.
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...00#p705100
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[wiperhunter2]

I know a lot of us have been dog owners or are dog owners but really, some people just don't think before they act. That link and reply by that members just goes to show how we can let our emotions over rule our common sense.
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[RockyRaab]

In these times of instant everything, please allow me to remind us all:

Lakes do not go from waterski to snowmobile overnight. Not even in a couple weeks. There is a long interval of no fishing between the seasons.

That's why they invented televised football. When that's over, it's time to go ice fishing. And not much before that.

Slow your breathing. Sharpen your auger. Change your lines. Tie some terminal rigs. The right time will come.
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[Charina]

The wife decided to get a Bernese Mt dog pup recently. The are the 'draft horse' of the dog world, designed to work and pull loads on the farm and in the snow of Switzerland. A year from now, she's going to be my ice fishing buddy, pulling my sled. If she ever goes in, I'd do almost anything to get her out, short of being stupid and getting myself in as well.
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[Charina]

Here is a good video regarding survival when falling through.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gOW8ZaYqHA"> Survival in the Ice - Part 1</a>
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[wiperhunter2]

Great video, now the trick is to remember it, if it ever happens to you.
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