90 minutes :-?

 

Very Sad, It can happen to you, It happened to me years back at TurtleHead Lake, Luckiliy I'm here to talk about it.. Don't take any chances..

 

That's a nightmare...always carry a long rope with a floatation device attached. Might not have to save your life but could be an important part in saving someone elses.

Dave

 

You don't get out in the direction the ice gave way - you go the opposite way (where you were coming from)! That probably would have saved his son from going through a second time?

 

"Near shore, it was 3 or 4 inches, but out where they were fishing, it was only an inch thick," Douglass said.
We drill holes as we proceed to check thickness.

 

Just because you see folks out on the ice doesn't mean you don't have to be careful.

Carry and use a spud bar. That would probably have averted this tragedy. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a commercial one, just get a length of black gas pipe and beat one end flat. Wrap some tape around the other end for a handle. If you want to get "fancy" use a threaded coupler to keep the length short and manageable. Then USE the &^% thing. If you are not familiar with spud bars - ask someone.

Amen to the flotation devices mentioned earlier. You can even wear a thin life preserver under your coveralls or whatever you wear - keeps you toasty, too.

 

It is terrably sad every time I read something like this. A rope and cushion are a great idea....however...do no good if they are in the sled behind you or you drop your bucket as you fall through the ice. As of recent I invested in an IDI Arctic Armor suit. It has floatation built in the suit's insulation, rated to keep 500 lbs afloat,VERY warm, and wind/waterproof. It is a little on the expensive side, but not a bad insurance policy for guys like me who often ice fish alone and areas where a current/springs may be present. I see a lot of guys walking around in the ice suits/ice armor which is comparably priced. Unfortunately, It is something you need to order from their web site or one of the "up north" retailers in that I know of nobody who carries Arctic Armor down here.
Check out the video below if you want to see how the suit works.
http://www.idigear.com/video-fox.php
Happy & Safe Fishing,
Scout

 

It is terrably sad every time I read something like this. A rope and cushion are a great idea....however...do no good if they are in the sled behind you or you drop your bucket as you fall through the ice. As of recent I invested in an IDI Arctic Armor suit. It has floatation built in the suit's insulation, rated to keep 500 lbs afloat,VERY warm, and wind/waterproof. It is a little on the expensive side, but not a bad insurance policy for guys like me who often ice fish alone and areas where a current/springs may be present. I see a lot of guys walking around in the ice suits/ice armor which is comparably priced. Unfortunately, It is something you need to order from their web site or one of the "up north" retailers in that I know of nobody who carries Arctic Armor down here.
Check out the video below if you want to see how the suit works.
http://www.idigear.com/video-fox.php
Happy & Safe Fishing,
Scout

i have arctic armor too-it' maybe $50 more than ice armor but it floats

 

so sad cant believe this one Sorry for the family and the father who has to explain it to his wife

 

Heartbreaking news. Wifey made me buy Mustang flotation bibs and coat after first child was born. Spikes around neck at all times and always bring along with a boat cushion attached to 50 ft of rope. Can't be too careful.