Getting Ready for the Ice Fishing
by Gary Holmgren
Safety is the number one concern for the winter fishing
season.
Every year in Minnesota some die because of not thinking
about winter ice fishing safety rules. Yes I am as guilty as
the next person also. What we all say " it will never happen
to me ". Lets start with some things to think
about.
- Ice Thickness
- Personal Safety and First Aid
- Fire Safety
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Ice Thickness: This is the time of year
we can't wait to get back at the ol'fishing hole. Snow on the
shoreline and ice starting to form around the edges of the lake.
When the ice starts to cover the lakes we have to remember
that all ice is not created equal. There may be springs or under
water current in spots. Thickness of the ice should be monitored
during the ice fishing season. The general rule is 4 inches of good
clear ice
to walk on, but even at 4 inches it will not be the same thickness
all over the lake. Snowmobiles and ATVs should have 5-6 inches of
good clear ice. Light trucks and cars should have at least 12 inches
of good clear ice. Good advice is to check with the local
bait and tackle shop to find out any problem areas on the lake.
Personal Safety and First Aid:
General rules of personal safety should be thought about now before
we go out on the ice. Its best to have a plan if something should go
wrong. The chances of surviving a disaster is greatly increased.
The ice fisherman should have rope and two ice picks or screwdrivers
in their pockets. You can pick up 10 - 25 feet of 3/8 nylon rope at any
store. If you should fall through the ice you can use the ice picks to
help you get back up on the ice. When walking on the early ice
you should have someone with you and walk a good distance apart.
If one should fall through the other may rescue them. It is a good idea
to carry a cell phone also if one is available. Victims make victims
they
say. This is very true as we try to help someone in trouble we put
ourselves
also in danger. Some say when driving on the ice you should keep the
windows open and the doors ajar or open for an escape if
necessary. There are many other things to think about when ice
fishing as never leave you vehicle parked in the same spot for a long
period of time.
Don't park on cracks or ice heaves. Never drive in the dark or during
a heavy snow when you can't see ahead. First aid should also be reviewed
in case you should need it. Hypothermia is the most common.
If you start shivering and getting tired its time to get warmed
up. Someone that has wet clothing should be brought into a heated shack
or vehicle
have their clothing removed and put in blankets or sleeping bag.
Medical attention is needed by people that are disorientated, frozen
body parts, or unresponsive.
Fire Safety: This is something
that we don't think about to much, but there has been deaths
in Minnesota related to fires in ice houses. Some safety rules
to remember are never have a open type of fire in your ice house. This
is very hard to believe that anyone would do this, but yes they bring
in their grill for heat or cooking. This is not only a fire hazard but
also produces
carbon monoxide. If you cook use a camp stove and make sure you vent
the house. A smoke alarm should be placed in all houses that are
used over night and for extended periods of time. There
should also be a fire extinguisher in the house also. If there should be
a fire
it don't take long to have the house in total blaze.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not uncommon either. Make sure
your heater is in shape and vented properly. Some say we open the door
enough to keep it vented. This may be true for a time but it
don't take long to have a build up of carbon monoxide in a small space
either. The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
are, starts with a headache and drowsiness to follow. Any time you
develop
a headache you should vent the house and get fresh air to see if that
helps.
Carbon monoxide don't dissipate from our systems easily as
it gets into the blood and attaches to the blood cells.
If you have a house you use for over night and extended periods of time
you should have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in with you.
The wrap up: There are many thing not listed
here.
Some things to think about are portable radio, extra flashlight and
batteries,
GPS for navigation, and now is the time to pre plan for the winter
fishing adventures.
May you all have a safe and fish filled season.
Go to Outdoors Minnesota for Fishing and outdoor related activities in Southwest Minnesota.