This is the time of year when Facebook is messaged with “Is there ice on the lake?” This leads to comments that can be rude, unreliable, or silly. The question is very important. An honest answer could save a life.
Early ice is often the best ice of the year. The problem is that early ice is often too thin for mature Icemen. Little skinny boys might get away with 2-3 inches, but a portly Iceman needs 5-6 inches for safe fishing.
On one occasion, we saw an experienced Iceman break through the early, thin, ice, inside his ice tent, that was relatively close to shore. His screaming could be heard but we didn’t see him until he literally began pulling his shanty into the ice hole! The poles and fabric gave him enough support so he could get onto the surface. The next thing we saw was a wet Iceman running to his truck. We were not on the ice when this event happened. Needless to say, we did not fish that day. I am sure that he lost a good portion of his gear and came close to drowning.
One problem with early ice is that ice depth is inconsistent. The thickness will vary from near the shore, to where the sun shines on it, to where air bubbles have congregated, to where a bottom geothermal feature is brewing.
No fish is worth dying for. Risking your life for a perch is just stupid. If you press your luck, eventually you will break through.
So, what do you do if you Take the Plunge?
STAY CALM Good luck with this. If you have ever broken through into a cold-water lake, you will be in shock. Don’t panic. It’s Damn Cold!
Don’t Gulp Water The sudden submergence will take your breath away. You will need to take a moment to catch your breath and get your bearings.
Floatation Gear Most icemen wear bulky bibs and parkas that are made to float. They also require a Huge hole to fit into. Normally, the large clothes help to keep you from going completely underwater.
Lay Flat and Kick Go out of the hole the way you fell in. If you don’t have Ice Picks, use elbows to drag your body while you kick hard. The movement will help keep you from going into shock. Get out of the water as fast as you can. Stay flat and crawl until you have safe ice.
Get Dry and Warm Get to shore and get out of the wet clothes. Start the truck heater and use a blanket to warm up. Carry emergency gear in your rig.
Carrying safety gear is a good idea. Most Icemen travel light but taking a few simple precautions could save a life.
Ice Picks These simple handles have spikes imbedded in them. A cord allows you to wear them around your neck, just where you will need them. Make them out of wood or something that will float in case you need to toss them to someone.
Throw Rope Make a throw jug using an old milk / iced tea jug with a rope tied onto it. 20-30 feet of ½ inch braided, black, rope will do. Tie one end to the jug handle and make a loop in the other. To toss it, put the loop onto your hand and toss the jug toward the victim. The rope is tucked into the jug and will slide out easily. Once the victim has the rope, have them lay flat and pull.
Sled Pull Rope I make the tow rope on my ice sled extra-long. This makes the sled easier to pull and, in an emergency, I can slide the sled toward the victim and pull them out. My looped rope is 15 feet long which makes it easy to pull from my waist or over the shoulder, hands free.
Ski Pole or Ice pole Check the ice as you go. Probe with the poles. Look for clear or dark ice. Wet or slushy ice is often deadly.
Cleats Wearing ice cleats and using a ski pole will help keep you from falling. If you slip and fall, broken bones or injury may make you immobile. A big Iceman will break through from a fall, on thinner ice. Also be aware of areas where other fishing has occurred. Some holes may not be frozen over. A 10-inch hole could allow a booted foot to break through.
Buddy Check Have a conversation with your Icemen Buddies about what to do if someone breaks through the ice. They may be your lifesaver.
A real danger is when you break through far from a shelter or a truck. You could be in real trouble. Understand this before going so far out. If you can use a wheeler on the ice, carry a blanket or a change of clothes. Be prepared, just in case.
Bad Luck can happen. Know what to do!
Montana Grant
