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We are all itching to walk on the hard deck. Some will post yep 2” I was out there even less ice. Not worth it. But if you are one wanting to make ice Darwin awards so be it.
Others see attached no ice is safe . Go with others have a change of clothes. If going with kiddos have several change of socks as they like adults will find an ice hole to take a dip.
Be prepared and smart and dare I say use ‘common sense’ over cabin fever. Nuff said
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I agree. Be safe!
Having said that, I'm a risk taker. On ice fishing, I most often ice fish alone though I always invite others. That's probably the worst rule I break except for my willingness to walk on thin ice.
But, I take preparedness to greater levels.
Though the dangers are substantially mitigated with my fitness and having been tested swimming laps in an icy cold lake at altitude and I have confidence, I don't let pride stop me from going to extremes for preparedness. I'm way into preparedness.
Beyond the usual, I also carry ice climbing screws and rope. I believe I could get out without that and will give it a try first unintentional break through. But, I do have backup preparedness. Besides, it's also for rescue of others.
Of course, I bring along lots of high energy food and extras of warm clothes. After swimming in icy water, I changed into dry well insulated clothes and ate plenty of food and went for a walk around the lake enjoying the scenery and walking up on deer that oddly seemed to know that I wasn't a threat and let me get within arm's reach.
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I'm too old and out of shape to ice fish now, but I use to love it.
In my adventuresome youth, I had a favorite spot below a dam in Idaho that had some 12 to 14 inch yellow perch, my favorite ice target.
Early season and some current under the ice was the normal way I fished, often on 1" of clear ice. But, I was not totally stupid. I would take only a single rod, an ice pick to make a hole, and no other gear. I also wore a pair of cross country skies to spread the weight out on the ice. I was a thin guy in those days, and even the fish were tossed toward shore, not allowed to stack up.
One day an Idaho Fish and Wildlife officer came by and wanted to check me. He yelled from shore, and I said sure, when I am done I will come in. He screamed back and said to come in now, at which time I told him he had no right but he did have the right to come out and see me. He tried, and got about 10' out when he punched through the ice like a torpedo. ROFLOL
His partner (normally they did not have partners so he was lucky) tossed him a rope to help him out. The water was only about waist deep there. They left, I left. I did not think it would be "smart" to be there again that year. Hehehe
Taking chances on the ice is stupid, and I would never do what I did then, but ice is not so dangerous that people should be scared, just cautious and prepared.
I knew the physics of ice and I used the knowledge. I had warm dry closes in the car, I use spikes in my coat tied to a line so that they stay inside my cuff until I need them to pull myself onto the ice (never needed them).
I would have killed for the newer clothing options you guys have today. Just be smart and prepared.
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I thought that was you on the left. LOL
