Five Tips for Ice Fishing Safety

Ice fishing is an enjoyable and hazardous activity. There are a few things about ice fishing safety every winter angler should know. This article will give you a few tips on staying safe while ice fishing.

Plans

Before you even go on your trip, you should tell someone your plans. Therefore, if something happens, someone will know you didn't return on time. It's also best to take some form of communication with you such as a cell phone or CB radio.

Companionship

If you want to practice proper ice fishing safety, you should never go out on the ice alone. Also, when traveling on the ice with a partner, you shouldn't walk too closely together. This way, both of you won't fall in if you happen to stumble upon thinner ice.

Dressing

Another important aspect of proper ice fishing safety is wearing proper attire. It will likely be windy, so you should wear an outer layer that is not only waterproof but also wind-resistant. You can also bundle several layers beneath them and take them off if necessary.
These layers should be made of breathable fabrics so you don't sweat. That would increase your risk of frostbite. It's also important that you always cover your head. You lose most of your heat through your head, so you'll be able to retain more by covering it up.

Ice

It's vital that you never go out onto the lake if the ice is unsafe. Ice that is at least four inches thick is enough to sustain a person. Multiple people should only go out if the ice is four inches thick. You should also be aware that ice thickness can vary in different areas.

Temperature

You should know the temperature conditions around the lake. The longer the temperature stays below freezing, the stronger the ice becomes. Conversely, the longer the temperature stays above freezing, the weaker the ice gets.

These are a few tips on proper ice fishing safety. It's best that you never travel out on the frozen lake alone. However, if you do go alone, make sure the ice is at least four inches thick so it's strong enough to support you.