The 5-minute YouTube video below is a few years old, but the advice is still critically important. Whether you’re an experienced ice angler or someone giving it a try for the first time this winter, it’s vital to practice caution when heading out on a frozen lake.
In the video, James Holst demonstrates how to properly use a spud bar (chisel) to check ice thickness while you walk, and also provides tips on flotation clothing and ice safety spikes. Holst doesn’t mention it, but ice anglers who don’t own flotation clothing can wear a life jacket over their winter parka. Keep in mind that the life jacket you utilize during the summer for boating/fishing might not fit over several layers of clothing and a bulky winter parka, so be sure to try it out before heading onto the ice.
One final tip: Many times during the early ice fishing season, there is little to no snow cover, making it dangerously slippery to walk. I’ve relied on Kahtoola MICROspikes for several years and they work tremendously well. Note: I wear a size 10 winter boot, so according to the Kahtoola sizing guide I should use size “L” MICROspikes, but because my boots are quite bulky, the “XL” works better.
Remember: Wait for at least 4 inches of solid ice before walking on a frozen lake. Be safe this winter!
