I live to Ice fish,, but wont drowned for it..

[Coldfooter]

[size 2]Here it Utah we dont often hear of the drownings that happen due to ice fishing.. But the truth is,, worldwide each year many drownings accure due to the fact the ice was thin or weak and one to many steps were taken, and/or, the weight of the machine, equipment, and person combine was simply to much for the ice to handle. But reguardless of the reason,, someone died enjoying a sport that should bring only frustration and/or plessure (depending on the day),, but not death..

Being the diehard Ice fisherman I am (and that often goes off by himself ice fishing for 1 - 3 days straight), I've often wonder what I'd do if by chance I fell through the ice and no one was around to help me.. Truthfully I'm not a young man anymore nor do I constantly put myself in a situation of possibility falling through by tossing caution to the wind, but, I will admit I (like many others) tempt fate from time to time.. That being the case it set my mind to thinking and I came up with a great way to exit the water without the help of another person. Then asked myself this question. Would I possibly risk looking foolish to others in order to save my own life.. Well to say the least the answer was (((YES)))!! Truely I'm not all that concerned what others think of me most of the time so why would it bother me to doing something that may seem foolish to others yet will save my life (or theirs) if or when that time came I (or they) fell through the ice..

What is it you ask,, well its really quite simple.. From now on (if I'm in an area I'm not sure the ice is absolutly safe) I'm dragging a small inflated automotive innertube behind me whether I'm on my ATC, a sled, or walking.. A 30 - 50 foot rope merely tied to the tube and attached to me with a simple slip loop around my arm,, (easy on,, easy off),, will do the trick,, and,, I know its there incase its called for.. Sure,, I may get few strange looks and I be ask jokingly what the tube is for from time to time as I wheeler passed the crowd. But hey,, its worth it to be able laugh the following day because I want to live to go ice fishing tomorrow, next week, and next year.. I figure even this old fat ice rat can drag the tube to myself then slip myself up on it so I'm laying face down.. Once back to the edge of the ice I could merely get ahold of the ice and roll or slid myself off the tube and onto the ice. Then being I'm already laying on the ice rather than standing there wouldnt be as much preasure on the ice so I should be able to continue to roll away from the hole.. Of course if someone was close by they could simply grab the tube and jerk me out of the water, but either way, I'm not going to drown! Whats more,, it will probably be hanging on the old "Coldfooter's Hilton" incase you fall through.. Whats more,, when my grand kids reach the age for ice fishing (possibly next year),, they be "tuggin' a tube" ,, smaller of course,, and whether they like it or not it will be there. To often I see the little one's not being paid close attention to while around water and I simply wont risk my grand kids lifes while on the water,, hard or otherwise. It may be only my oppinion but I feel they could slip through a 12" ice hole fairly easily,, and possibly a 10" hole.... So anyway,, dont laugh to loudly if you happen upon me while on the ice and I have a tube and rope nearby,, its for your sake as well as mine..

Coldfooter..

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[TubeDude]

I
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[sawdustbob]

well said, us old guys must stick together, that way we will out last lhem all good luck and god fishing
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[icehole69]

very good post, safety should always be your first priority. [cool]
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[BEARCLAW]

Better safe than sorry... It seems we all have a little TubeDude in us anyway.[] Thanks for sharing, great post..
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[Troll]

I have posted this suggestion before, I also recommend wearing a PFD if you have one. It will keep you from going under which is the bigest concern. You may not come up in the hole you made. It will work even while your lungs are screaming from the shock of hitting 33 degree water and give you time to pull the tube to you.

I have fallen through twice in my life, once as a young foolish man and once I was prepared for (rescue my dog) The first time my buddies pulled me out by the rope I was trailing. The second time I had time to remove my heavy coat and boots and I took my bag of decoys in with me to use as a float. It was a long ride back from the crystal unit at Farmington bay.

Another tip; The best match to have in any cold weather emergency is a 20 min road flare. For a few $ you know you can get a fire started, wet, windy it doesn't matter a 20 min road flare makes the best emergency match you can have. One might have even saved the guy in Jack Loundons book.
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[TIBBZZ]

Yeeeeap! Good call. Just like tubedude said you can't put a price on peace of mind. There has been a few scary moments when I've wished I had something floatable to drag out with me" just in case".
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[hashbaz]

Live for fishing. Don't die for fishing.

I think it's a great idea. I've heard of several people wearing life jackets out on the ice.

A wise man once said "Preparation prevents need." Murphy's law can work to your advantage. The more you prepare for a disaster the less likely it is to occur.
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[Hydroteck]

Hi guys (both male and female) there is are some makers of PFD that make them into coats. Not only do you float in them they are right warm and will help keep you warm in cold water if you can not out right away. I know I use them at work.
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[Troll]

Stearns makes them in both a coat and pants, they are available from West Marine.
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[Coldfooter]

Thanks for the response's everyone!

TD,, that will be the day LOL!!! OK,, sure,, I might try tube fishing the day I drag a chain saw out on the ice and cut myself a hole large enough to work and paddle around in while setting in the tube!![] JUST KIdding!!

Actually I was looking through the Jig building equipment the other day and eye balling a few tubes (of course this lazy a## was also looking at the elertic motor set ups for them too).. Deal was,, the better half walked up to me and said,, and I quote,, "we'd just as well get you another boat,, it would be cheeper!",, LOL!!!
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[TubeDude]

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