12-09-2004, 10:57 PM
[size 5]Ice Fishing Survival Tips[/size] by Laura Reave![[Image: winter3.jpg]](http://www.ontariofishing.net/news/winter3.jpg)
[size 2]If you ask experts when the ice is safe, they will often say, "Never!" That is because ice thickness can vary by several inches even just a few feet away. Variables include water current under the ice, schools of fish that can cause warmer water to rise, vicinity to bridges and islands, and other factors.[/size]
[size 2]Given that, many people have still enjoyed ice fishing for years. How can you help ensure your survival while ice fishing? Here are a few basic tips:[/size]
[size 2]1. Before you leave, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Survival experts suggest that if you are not back by that time, the person should call for help. [/size]
[size 2]2. Leave your car on shore. According to safety expert Tim Smalley, 68 percent of ice fatalities in Minnesota involved a vehicle. Ice must be much thicker and more stable to support the weight of a car or truck, or even a snowmobile. [/size]
[size 2]3. Make sure there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice, with no open water or melting ice near shore. Open water and melting indicate unsafe ice. Carry an ice spud or chisel to check the thickness of the ice as you proceed.[/size]
[size 2]4. Always go fishing with a companion. 5. Wear a lifejacket.[/size]
[size 2]6. Carry two ice picks, hand spikes, or wooden screwdrivers tied together with cord so that you can pull yourself out if you do fall in.[/size]
[size 2]7. Carry rope to help drag your buddy out if necessary. 8. Carry a cell phone to call for assistance.[/size]
[size 2]9. Carry flares or an emergency signal marker so that you can be seen if you need to be rescued in a storm. Other storm survival equipment includes chemical hand warmers, flashlight and batteries, chemical light sticks, compass, reflective "space" blankets, portable camp stove with fuel, pocket knife or pocket tool, and matches or a lighter. [/size]
[font "Arial Narrow"]Laura Reave, Ph.D., is a marketing consultant specializing in writing for the internet and search engine optimization. You can see some of her work at [url "http://www.fcsurplus.ca/"]http://www.fcsurplus.ca[/url][/font] [size 1][/size]
[size 2]If you ask experts when the ice is safe, they will often say, "Never!" That is because ice thickness can vary by several inches even just a few feet away. Variables include water current under the ice, schools of fish that can cause warmer water to rise, vicinity to bridges and islands, and other factors.[/size]
[size 2]Given that, many people have still enjoyed ice fishing for years. How can you help ensure your survival while ice fishing? Here are a few basic tips:[/size]
[size 2]1. Before you leave, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Survival experts suggest that if you are not back by that time, the person should call for help. [/size]
[size 2]2. Leave your car on shore. According to safety expert Tim Smalley, 68 percent of ice fatalities in Minnesota involved a vehicle. Ice must be much thicker and more stable to support the weight of a car or truck, or even a snowmobile. [/size]
[size 2]3. Make sure there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice, with no open water or melting ice near shore. Open water and melting indicate unsafe ice. Carry an ice spud or chisel to check the thickness of the ice as you proceed.[/size]
[size 2]4. Always go fishing with a companion. 5. Wear a lifejacket.[/size]
[size 2]6. Carry two ice picks, hand spikes, or wooden screwdrivers tied together with cord so that you can pull yourself out if you do fall in.[/size]
[size 2]7. Carry rope to help drag your buddy out if necessary. 8. Carry a cell phone to call for assistance.[/size]
[size 2]9. Carry flares or an emergency signal marker so that you can be seen if you need to be rescued in a storm. Other storm survival equipment includes chemical hand warmers, flashlight and batteries, chemical light sticks, compass, reflective "space" blankets, portable camp stove with fuel, pocket knife or pocket tool, and matches or a lighter. [/size]
[font "Arial Narrow"]Laura Reave, Ph.D., is a marketing consultant specializing in writing for the internet and search engine optimization. You can see some of her work at [url "http://www.fcsurplus.ca/"]http://www.fcsurplus.ca[/url][/font] [size 1][/size]