Catching fish on ice is fun and thrilling but the risks that come with it are uncertain. The idea may look crazy but it is very fulfilling. Throwing fishing lines in holes and coming out with fish is something that you may be dreaming of but you are scared because of the risks involved. Ice fishing can indeed be a dangerous exercise but with several tips, you can try it out. If you are an expert in the game, then the tips will remind you of the dos and don’ts to maximize your safety. You do not want to go on fishing and come back home with bruises or end up in the hospital with broken limbs. Before you embark on an ice fishing adventure, check out and master these 10 tips.
1. Tell Friends And Family That You Are Going Ice Fishing
If you cannot tag along with your friends and family for ice fishing, let them know your whereabouts. They will provide the necessary information if things go wrong during your adventures. Ice fishing alone can be risky. If you slip over you may not have the strength to call out for help. A friend can do that. Do not be mean to go alone on such adventures. Most fatalities have happened because someone went alone, slipped into ice and there was no one to hold their hand out. Remember always to share your whereabouts so that you can be reached out when you need help.
2. Do Not Leave Your Cell Phone At Home
Some people end up regretting later why they didn’t carry their cell phones along. Others carry but leave them inside their cars. None of that helps on time of emergencies. A cell phone will help to alert a friend or a family member when you land into trouble. the battery should be fully charged but you will carry the charging cable. In case the power goes off you can use your car to recharge. Some cell phones come with spotlight features. That can be of help if your spotlight is out of reach.
3. Assemble The Right Fishing Gear In Advance
With ice fishing, you must have the right fishing gear. That includes well-treaded leather boots, protective caps, insulated pants or apron, thick woolen socks, and a fur coat. These are protective clothing gear. There are other items that you require such as a rod, reel, first-aid kit, portable heaters, battery spotlight, flotation, ice shelter, fishing hooks, tow ropes, jump starter cable, ice shelter, first-aid kit, a rod, reel, and many other things. Drinking water will keep you hydrated throughout your adventures. A blanket will come in handy when you are freezing and you need to keep yourself warm.
4. Be Cautious When Driving
Drive cautiously on ice. The ice thickness is never uniform. Some points may have the right thickness to hold your vehicle while others may not. Be keen on those. It is advisable to use a smaller car rather than a truck because it is lighter and easy to maneuver with.
Before you leave home, check whether you have enough fuel, the battery charger is full, and the engine is sound. If you get stuck alone in the wild you can be jump-started by passersby and get yourself home. Driving slowly on ice is a guaranteed way of ensuring your safety and that of others. If it is foggy, use headlights and keep a considerable distance between you and other vehicles. If you get late, step into a motel and spend your night there. Do not struggle to drive at night. It is dangerous to navigate in the darkness.
5. The Local People Are A Good Source Of Information
Local people including the tackle shopkeeper know the safe places for fishing. Do not shy off from asking them. They have been around in summer and winter so they are a better source of your Ice fishing adventures.
6. Ice Has Currents Beneath
Beneath a mass of ice, there are currents. Water still flows under the ice. That is especially in deep waters, the thickness of the ice differs too. In rivers, it is less while in lakes it is thicker. The thicker the ice the stronger it is. Map out areas that are rivers and do not attempt to fish in those. The weak ice can break and get you drowned by the underneath water. It is important to ignore unfamiliar spots and fish in areas you are conversant with. you are advised to avoid ice fishing moving water as that can sweep you into the ocean.
7. Observe The Ice Thickness Recommendations For Your State
Ice thickness recommendations differ with states. They are usually displayed all over to warn anglers and other gamers like skaters. Obey these guidelines for your own safety. If rules are accompanying the guidelines, obey those too. That will maximize your safety and that of others. The provided thickness may change with time. Use your common sense to check out when the density changes happen.
8. Carry Along Functional Augers
With ice fishing augers are necessary. They are the ones that cut the ice to create a hole where you will through your fishing hook. It is easy to cut ice if you have the right tools. Dull tools will expose you to the danger, of getting cut. Dull blades can slide dangerously and dig into your skin. Using augers with weak chain saws can extremely tire you and make the exercise futile. Get yourself powerful augers from your tackle shop so that you can cut the hard water with ease.
9. Master The Right Rescue Procedures
Knowing and mastering is different. Before you go on an ice fishing trip, master the right fishing procedures. These include the use of the first aid kit, rescue procedures, how to drive out of danger, and how to communicate right with rescuers in case you get stuck. Some fatalities happen just when the help is at reach. The reason is the lack of cooperation with rescuers. When they arrive on-site, they are expected to help you out of danger without risking their lives. If you prove uncooperative they may give up on the exercise. Nobody wants to die saving another. Knowledge of what can help you before they arrive is vital. For example, a bad can be used to stop profuse bleeding before you get to a health facility.
10. Do Not Carry Your Alcohol Drink To The Lake
Leaving your best whisky should at home be a good idea. Do not attempt to drink while on a fishing trip. You will celebrate later your fishing successes Alcohol affects your way of thinking, which could affect your decision-making. Drink driving is dangerous as well.
Ice fishing does not require you to be taught in class. It is meant for fun although some people do it out of necessity. Any of the reasons that get you out of your house to go fishing should be treated with caution. Get the basics right so that you can save yourself from fatalities. Knowing dos and don’ts can also be of help to other anglers who get into trouble. If you are an armature in ice fishing, learn the safety tips and take your time to master the basics of fishing during winter. Some experts find themselves in trouble too. If you happen to be an oldie in ice fishing and get into trouble, apply the safety tips such as flotation and the right communication.