11-13-2018, 11:40 PM
I just got an email from Striker with the following early ice tips. Good advice.
Brad Hawthorne: Early Ice Safety
Although the bite on first ice can be amazing, venturing out there is certainly not without risk. Too often we hear stories about individuals that fall through and oftentimes, mistakes are made in these incidents that could have been avoided with a little preparation.
1. Don't Be a Follower
"This is the number one mistake I see. You should never assume that ice is safe to fish just because you saw someone out there on a bucket earlier. They might not be out there safely, and even if they are, conditions can change in a matter of hours."
- Brad Hawthorne
2. Bring Proper Safety Equipment
Your equipment list should include a spud bar or ice chisel for checking thickness as you walk out; A Striker Ice suit with Sureflote® assist that will keep you reliably afloat and insulated should you experience the shock of falling through; a throwable PFD; and ice picks to assist in getting out. Take the time to invest in the safety essentials. You won't regret it.
3. Don't Go Out Alone
Even if you own all the necessary safety equipment, self-rescue can be extremely difficult and the reward is not worth the risk. "Have a group with you no matter what. I typically have at least 2-3 people with me when we first hit ice. In the event of a fall-through, multiple helping hands on site can make the difference between a quick escape and a full-blown emergency rescue."
- Brad Hawthorne
4. Have a Communication Plan
It's important for everyone in your group to explicitly discuss and understand the course of action if someone falls through the ice. You have a throw rope, but how should you use it? It might seem like common sense, but common sense can go out the window in emergency situations. Take a minute to talk it over.
5. Don't Attempt to Fish Moving Water
If you're tempted to return to your late-fall hot-spot on the river once ice shows up, find a new spot. There really is no such thing as reliable first ice on bodies of water that have a current beneath. Moving water is unforgiving and the ice above it is simply too unstable to be safe.
6. Stay Sober
Although many anglers might appreciate pairing a few cold ones with a day on the ice, thin ice is especially not the place for alcohol. With how unpredictable lakes can be, staying sharp at all times is an absolute key to safety and success in this early season.
7. Pay Attention to Ice Movement
Ice is very active and it's important to pay attention to dynamic factors that affect ice movement, such as temperature and snow coverage. According to Hawthorne, one key contributor is movement of the sun. "When the sun comes up, the ice will expand; even if it's 40 degrees below zero, there is always some movement. The second the sun goes down, the ice contracts. You can have a 1-inch crack at first light that becomes a 6-inch gap by the time you come back in."
- Brad Hawthorne
8. Check Your Ego at the Door
Nobody will know of your early-ice success if you don't make it back to tell the tale. Additionally, if you're new to early ice, nobody is judging you. Bring along someone with knowledge and experience, and don't be afraid to ask questions. It can be helpful to talk to local resorts and lodges. Many of them are out staking safe trails and checking ice constantly.
Remember, you need to be able to trust your own equipment and your own eyes. Hawthorne's rule of thumb is, "Once you put one foot on that ice, you are ultimately responsible for yourself." Stay safe out there, everyone.
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Brad Hawthorne: Early Ice Safety
Although the bite on first ice can be amazing, venturing out there is certainly not without risk. Too often we hear stories about individuals that fall through and oftentimes, mistakes are made in these incidents that could have been avoided with a little preparation.
1. Don't Be a Follower
"This is the number one mistake I see. You should never assume that ice is safe to fish just because you saw someone out there on a bucket earlier. They might not be out there safely, and even if they are, conditions can change in a matter of hours."
- Brad Hawthorne
2. Bring Proper Safety Equipment
Your equipment list should include a spud bar or ice chisel for checking thickness as you walk out; A Striker Ice suit with Sureflote® assist that will keep you reliably afloat and insulated should you experience the shock of falling through; a throwable PFD; and ice picks to assist in getting out. Take the time to invest in the safety essentials. You won't regret it.
3. Don't Go Out Alone
Even if you own all the necessary safety equipment, self-rescue can be extremely difficult and the reward is not worth the risk. "Have a group with you no matter what. I typically have at least 2-3 people with me when we first hit ice. In the event of a fall-through, multiple helping hands on site can make the difference between a quick escape and a full-blown emergency rescue."
- Brad Hawthorne
4. Have a Communication Plan
It's important for everyone in your group to explicitly discuss and understand the course of action if someone falls through the ice. You have a throw rope, but how should you use it? It might seem like common sense, but common sense can go out the window in emergency situations. Take a minute to talk it over.
5. Don't Attempt to Fish Moving Water
If you're tempted to return to your late-fall hot-spot on the river once ice shows up, find a new spot. There really is no such thing as reliable first ice on bodies of water that have a current beneath. Moving water is unforgiving and the ice above it is simply too unstable to be safe.
6. Stay Sober
Although many anglers might appreciate pairing a few cold ones with a day on the ice, thin ice is especially not the place for alcohol. With how unpredictable lakes can be, staying sharp at all times is an absolute key to safety and success in this early season.
7. Pay Attention to Ice Movement
Ice is very active and it's important to pay attention to dynamic factors that affect ice movement, such as temperature and snow coverage. According to Hawthorne, one key contributor is movement of the sun. "When the sun comes up, the ice will expand; even if it's 40 degrees below zero, there is always some movement. The second the sun goes down, the ice contracts. You can have a 1-inch crack at first light that becomes a 6-inch gap by the time you come back in."
- Brad Hawthorne
8. Check Your Ego at the Door
Nobody will know of your early-ice success if you don't make it back to tell the tale. Additionally, if you're new to early ice, nobody is judging you. Bring along someone with knowledge and experience, and don't be afraid to ask questions. It can be helpful to talk to local resorts and lodges. Many of them are out staking safe trails and checking ice constantly.
Remember, you need to be able to trust your own equipment and your own eyes. Hawthorne's rule of thumb is, "Once you put one foot on that ice, you are ultimately responsible for yourself." Stay safe out there, everyone.
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I had to call in sick so I could go to Lake Powell!
