Many outdoorsmen are increasing their time in the field by
participating in the sport of ice fishing. This allows individuals
to get out year round. However, as with any outdoor excursion,
ice fishing is not without risk. Employ common sense and good
judgment! Protective gear is available to help prevent frostbite.
Outdoors apparel specifically made for frigid conditions is
available in sporting goods stores. Innovative socks and boots
that help prevent frostbite if used properly are good investments.
Some things to remember:
- Never wear cotton socks as a first layer. Cotton absorbs
moisture and increases the risk of frostbite. Your first
sock layer should be made of nylon or rayon. Next, cotton
may be used but wool is preferred. Wool pulls moisture away
from the feet, thus your skin stays drier. Many lightweight
boots now come with a layer of Thinsulate, which come in
levels of 1,000 to 1,500. Inch for inch, there is no other
insulation that keeps you warmer. Thinsulate insulation
provides twice the warmth of other synthetic insulation,
and one and one-half times the warmth of down. Nothing keeps
- When otherwise properly garbed, 75%-80% of all heat loss
from the body occurs from an uncovered head. Subsequently,
a warm hat that covers the ears is extremely beneficial
in maintaining body heat. Survive Outdoors endorses Head
Soks. Made of a variety of materials including wool, the
Head Sok is designed to be pulled down over the head and
tucked in at the neck, thereby reducing heat loss from the
neck area. The Head Sok, accompanied with a hat, provides
the necessary warmth for your head.
- Mittens are much warmer than gloves. Most outdoorsmen
know this by now. Mittens decrease the chance of frostbitten
fingers. Somewhat cumbersome when working with rods, mittens
are available with removable fingers for the short time
you may need fine motor skills.
Is the ice thick enough?
At what thickness is ice considered safe is a common debate
General rules of thumb:
- Two inches of solid ice is permissible for one person
on foot, three inches for a group in single file;
- A snowmobile is safe on three inches;
- A single passenger automobile seven inches;
- A 2-1/2 ton truck eight inches;
- A 3-1/2 ton truck nine inches;
- A 7-8 ton truck ten inches.
Other factors to consider
- Ice structure, and outdoor temperature. For example,
an ice sheet forms on water, but if the water level drops
after the initial ice sheet forms, it may be left unsupported
near the shore. This occurrence is detectable by hearing
a hollow sound when probing with an ice chisel. This is
NOT a safe area to fish.
- It is also important to note that when the temperature
stays above freezing greater than 24 hours, ice begins to
lose strength. At that point, the rules of thumb given above
will no longer represent safe conditions.
- Distinguish between ice and snow. Snow on top of ice
may obscure the actual thickness of the ice.
As stated in previous articles, if you have a gut feeling
or concern that the ice might be too thin, STAY OFF THE ICE.
Your desire to ice fish is not worth the risk of ice fishing
on possibly dangerous ice. Use common sense and good judgment.
Good luck ice fishing!