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As a lifelong angler I have had the opportunity to fish in many places and climates, catching fish along the Eastern seaboard and throughout South America. Each offered unique challenges and some dangers as well.
As a visitor, I was often taken aback by the casual approach locals took to these dangers, whether wading in shark-infested areas or clinging precariously to a quickly disappearing jetty. But then I realized that it happens everywhere and with every threat.
Locals become complacent and take for granted that they will return safely from every trip, just like many of Pennsylvania's hard water anglers take for granted that they will never fall victim to a mishap on the ice.
Ice fishing can be a very satisfying and productive way to spend a cold winter day. However, as with any trip on the water, there are potential dangers involved. Although no one ever thinks they will be the victim of an accident, being prepared is vital to ensure your next ice fishing trip will not be your last.
The first concern is ice thickness. The thinnest ice you should ever venture out onto is four inches. However, this assumes the ice is high-quality clear or blue ice. Of course if the ice is mottled, mixed with layers of snow, or has thawed and refrozen, even four inches will be unsafe.
Additional thickness is needed to support the combined weight if fishing in a group or on ice where other anglers are nearby. Even with thicker ice, it is nearly impossible to tell its composition, what underwater obstacles may have interfered with freezing, or if an unknown spring has created a weak spot. In other words, all ice has the potential to be unsafe.
Does this mean that you simply stop ice fishing? No, but it does not mean that you should become the complacent local who fishes in any condition either. What it means is that you should be prepared for the worst and hope that it never comes to that.
Having some essential ice safety tools is the first step.
Ice cleats will make moving more manageable and prevent slip and fall injuries. Having a gear sled not only allows you to move more significant amounts of equipment, it moves that weight off of your body and reduces the risk of breaking through a weak spot.
Finally, wearing a flotation device such as a rescue suit or float coat not only helps save you should you fall through, but it will also help keep the cold temperatures at bay. Many ice veterans will bring along a long staff to help with walking, which can also assist with self-rescue if a minor sharpened nail is placed on one end.
You must learn how to read the ice, which type is safe, and which to avoid.
Blue/clear ice is the best. It is stronger and more reliable, and only about four inches is needed to hold an adult's weight safely.
White ice is weaker and will require considerably more thickness to be safe. This is because it is not solid ice: there are layers of wet snow and air pockets trapped within the layers.
Mottled ice, distinguished by its patchwork appearance, is never safe and generally indicates the season has ended. No matter how thick it may appear, your next step could be as weak as glass.
Light gray or black ice is usually seen before temperatures are cold enough to maintain ice long enough to become solid. This ice is rarely thick enough to hold any considerable weight and should also be avoided.
It is important to remember that a single body of water may contain multiple types of ice at different locations. Never assume it is safe without first investigation.
You have taken all the precautions and are wearing all the protective gear, so everything is good, right?
No, not always. Remember, no one wants an accident to happen, but sometimes they just do. A wrong step, a hidden hole, or just bad luck can mean even the most careful ice fisherman finds themselves floating instead of standing. Again, the key is knowing what to do.
• If you feel the ice breaking, attempt to cover your mouth and nose. This will help prevent inhaling cold water, which can be deadly in itself.
• Do not panic. Keeping a clear head and acting quickly can mean the difference between a scary story and worse.
• Locate the shore and turn in that direction.
• If you have a staff or ice awls, reach out, jam them into the ice, and pull yourself out.
• If you do not have a staff or ice awls, get as much of your body onto the edge of the ice as possible, kick like a frog, and push yourself out.
• If the ice keeps breaking, repeat the process until you are out or can stand.
Once on the ice again, do not stand up. It is likely there is additional bad ice in the area. Instead, roll or slide towards shore, as this allows you to spread your weight across a wider area.
When on shore, it is very important to get warm. If you have a phone, call for help. In the meantime, get in your car or start a fire. If you have dry clothing available, change it. Use whatever means are available to get dry and warm.
Good luck, good fishing.