Late Ice Safety

Here in the Midwest our ice time is limited but please be safe when headed out on late ice.

Always make sure you have your ice spikes, ice cleats, throwable rope, cell phone and a couple hand warmers in a zip lock bag in your pocket. At this time of year I always make sure I have a change of clothes dry socks, boots a couple towels and a blanket in the truck. This stuff can come in handy for you or someone else just in case. Even if just your foot gets wet its no fun to sit on the ice with wet feet you can always go back to the truck and put dry socks and boots on to finish the day off.

Remember late ice is almost always wet and slick so walk with care and a spud bar is not a bad idea. I also suggest you fish with a partner if at all possible or at least where others can see you. When walking on late ice with a partner don't walk together leave about 10 feet between you (this spreads out the weight). Remember the ice is always going to be thinner along the shore this time of year. I know guys that take extension ladders to the bank to walk out over the first 15 feet of ice or so to keep from breaking through.

Also make sure you go light just take what you need - hand auger, bucket, vex, tackle, bait and a couple rods. When the shores start to melt and open up this starts to make some oxygen and that will draw water life - bugs, minnows, small fish etc. I try to get out to safe ice and start drilling as close as it is safe to fish near these open areas and I fish small 1/80th and 1/100th jigs that will move around easy and look life like and it seems to work well. This can be a great time of year to be out but please be careful a few small fish aren't worth hurting yourself over. The same fish will be there for the taking in a few weeks in open water. If you do get out please let me know how you do www.patharrisonoutdoors.com

Pat Harrison