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Ice fishing safety tips

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning an ice fishing trip:

• A valid fishing license and warm enough clothes to withstand whatever Mother Nature has in store are a must. Being cold will ruin any trip.

• Always make sure the ice is safe enough to support not just you, but all of the gear you intend to use. After falling in a few years ago, I recommend using a spud or other ice checking tool as you walk. Underwater springs can make even the thickest ice weak.

• Always carry a life preserver or other flotation device. This will be invaluable were you to fall in. Snowsuits and boots tend to pull you down when wet and with the rapid change in your body temperature, you will go into shock quickly. Staying afloat is your key to survival.

• Carry an ice rescue tool for yourself around your neck. Take two very large nails, as big as you can find, and tie an old shoelace around the head of each nail so you can have them hang around your neck. If you were to go for an unexpected swim, it becomes very hard to grab on to the ice that hasn’t broken away to try and pull yourself up. You can jab the nail into the ice to help pull your way out.

• Pay attention to the ice conditions as you fish. Lake Winnebago has been known to have ice shifts that can create 40-foot gaps. That can create some very dangerous situations.

• Exercise a little extra caution when it is snowing hard. Visibility is greatly decreased and if you were in an emergency situation, your chances of being seen are far less.

• If you are using a gas-powered auger, make sure you do not smoke or use it around any open flames.

• If using a manual auger, make sure you are in good physical shape, as this can be extremely fatiguing with thick ice. Also, make sure your blades are sharp and if not, purchase new ones. They will be well worth it.

• Spikes for your shoes will not only help you gain traction on the ice, but prevent you from pulling muscles due to slipping and straining your body.

• It’s best to fish with a partner or small group. This gives you the opportunity to not only bond over ice fishing with friends and family, but improves your chances of survival.

• Always have a decent-sized rope you can throw to someone who has fallen through. You don’t want to get too close and fall in yourself.

• Most car insurance policies become null and void once you drive onto any body of water. It is also not cheap to raise a totaled vehicle from the bottom of any lake if something were to happen.

• Nick Peskie of Waupaca writes about fishing for the County Post West. He can be reached at [email protected].

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