Readers Digest Version (4 Wheeler through Ice)

[Straw-Crazy]

Ok here is the full story of my adventure at Strawberry.
Arrived at the marina at 7:00. When we drove out to the ice ridge, out in the middle of Strawberry Bay, we drove right over it. Yes, it was very slushy. There was about 4-5 inches in height difference between the two ice sheets. When we were out fishing, the DWR guy came buy and checked our licenses, he told us the the ice ridge has been opening up 2-3 feet of open water and slush. So we decided cross the ice ridge closer to shore to avoid any potential problems. Well that was a mistake..... Myself and a friend were on my 4 wheeler, we drove into slush, we looked at it and it ok, so we started to drive through (almost). Thats when we fell in nose first. My friend was able to bail off, an did not get very wet. I when in, and was soaked past my waist. The water was only 4.5' deep. After that thats when I ran into sjgabby & playas44 and a few other nice people. They helped winch my 4 wheeler out and tow it back. Thanks again to all that helped. Other than all the drama, we had a good day fishing. I will be back at the berry soon......
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[BearLakeMack]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Man, that sucks! Ya, the shoreline edges are the first to go when it warms up. As you well know, the middle of the lake, usually, has the thickest ice. If you are worried about a pressure ridge, find a suitable place to cross, get off your machine and test the ice. Use your auger and drill a few holes. Some times you see water but will find out there is still plenty of ice under the water to cross. When you do finally decide to cross, GET-R-DONE! Don't dilly dally. hit it with a little speed and get through as fast as you can. Go alone to reduce weight and if needed unhook your sleds and pull them over by hand if it looks that suspicious. [/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Thanks for posting your story so everyone can learn from your experience. Glad everything ended up turning out alright.[/size][/black][/font]
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[Theekillerbee]

That's crazy! Glad no one got hurt, and that you didn't loose your machine. Thanks for sharing.
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[IceFishingGod]

I'm glad your all right. I'm also glad you posted this so everyone else knows to be carefull. I hear that Strawberry Marina will not let their sleds on the ice. I guess someone went through yesterday. I have no more specifics than that.

IFG

[fsh4fun05]

There must have been another ice fishing god looking after you.[]
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[fshslyer36]

Should of looked here first made a post on your other story[pirate]
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[skipythelurker]

I am a playa of many soft spots and short edges...getting on the Ice can be tricky if you cant find a jump...but crossing "SHORT" wet spots, I have learend some valuable lessons..and the biggist answer I have got so far is "When In Doubt...Punch It.." this tech has saved me and the scooter many many times...![]

Skippa
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[Coldfooter]

Good to hear you made it out in walking condition, sucks about the wheeler tho'. But thats a cheep lession compared to what could have been the final results..
Yeah it can be a pucker factor 10 when the front end of the wheeler drops out from under ya. Been there done that! I had the same thing happen to me at FG last Jan. over 60 feet of water while crossing a old preasure ridge we'd crossed for three straight days. I was lucky,, it only cost me 3 of my nine lives..
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[CROSSINEYES]

never been on a wheeler on the ice. but on sleds when we hit slush or ridges we gun it before we get to it and lean back as mutch as poss. probly would not be effective with wheelers.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Only 3? I heard it costs double when you do it in the dark.[/#0000ff]
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