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Jack Wollitz: Safety first when you’re on the ice
This week’s frigid weather solidified the prospects for good ice fishing conditions on northeastern Ohio ponds and reservoirs, but anglers looking forward to getting out on the ice are keeping their eye on the warmer days forecast next week.
If you decide to trek out on Mosquito or Pymatuning or any of the other walleye and crappie lakes around our region, go with caution. Heed the advice of those who know about such things: No ice is safe ice.
The allure of outdoor action will be irresistible for many, however, particularly after this week’s arctic blast left millions of people dreading the idea of venturing outside.
What better way to cure cabin fever than with a few hours of fishing?
Ice fishing done right is a great winter sport. It’s good exercise in the fresh air of the great outdoors. Add the prospects of walleyes, crappies, perch and other tasty fish for the table and you get a very good reason to bundle up against the weather.
Veteran ice fishers know setting out across the frozen lid of their favorite lake is a trip not to be taken lightly. Proper gear and a safety-first mindset are essential, even more important than top-secret baits and the GPS coordinates for your buddy’s hot spot.
If you are considering an ice-fishing trip, the following tips will help you enjoy the experience.
Pack your stuff on a sled. Use bungee cords to secure buckets, tackle, bait, ice auger, sonar, cushions, food, rope and other gear.
Use a spud bar to test the ice in front of you as you venture out. Savvy anglers hold the spud bar in one hand and drag their sled by a rope in their other hand, poking the ice as they move forward. If the spud punches through, stop and back away from the soft spot.
Wear a PFD or personal flotation device. It’s also a good idea to have a throwable floating cushion secured to a rope, which can be deployed in the event someone falls through the ice.
Keep an awl in each coat pocket. Should you fall through the ice, grip an awl in each hand and spike them into the ice so you can establish a grip to pull yourself out of the water. Screwdrivers will work, too.
Leave the beer and other alcohol at home. It goes without saying that booze numbs your senses. It also dilates blood vessels and causes your body to lose heat.
Take food to keep your inner furnace stoked. Calories are your friend when the temperature is cold and your body needs to generate heat.
Use the buddy system. Travel out on the ice with a friend. Be sure to let people at home know where you are going and when to expect your return.
Avoid standing on the ice close to other people. Too much weight concentrated on the ice can cause it to break.
Add cleats to your boots. Snow on ice can provide relatively secure footing, but ice itself is too slippery for regular boot treads. Cleats can be strapped to the toe portion of each boot to help you gain traction.
Avoid over-exertion. Hiking out across the ice is no easy walk. The combination of cold air, heavy clothing and difficult footing can wear down strong people. If you aren’t in good health, consider postponing your fishing trip to a day when conditions aren’t so harsh.
Last, but certainly not least, remember that no ice is safe ice. Exercise good sense and due caution and you will return safely and ready for your next adventure.