Ice fishing is just as dangerous and thrilling. When you go out on the ice, there are some things to keep in mind that will help make your time safer.
Fishing from an icy platform doesn’t have any of those cushy safety features like harnesses or nets; instead it’s about balance with every cast and sometimes even getting flung off by a sudden roll.
There are definitely risks involved in ice fishing, but they can be avoided by following some simple safety measures that will make you feel confident while out on the frozen water.
Dangers Of Ice Fishing Overview
Ice fishing is one of the most dangerous sports there are. But with just a little know how and some patience, you can go out on those frozen lakes without fear that your adventure will end in tragedy even if it meant saving yourself from going hungry this winter.
The only way to be sure of your safety is by being aware and cautious.
Although any form of activity carries risk, some things are more dangerous than others. I would never recommend cooking in your kitchen and going to the gym for fishing might not seem like a great idea either! But when you look at it from our perspective as humans – there’s always an opportunity cost involved with doing anything less safe or healthier instead.
The truth is that all activities have risks no matter what they entail: whether we’re talking about cooking at home versus grabbing takeout; working out on Machines vs exercising outside…the list goes.
The idea of danger is one that has been around for centuries. Whether it’s a real threat or not, the risk still remains and must be managed in order to reduce any potential dangers from occurring.
Managing risks can help prevent accidents before they happen by ensuring situations don’t get out of hand so you’re prepared when disaster strikes.
Ice fishing is not dangerous as long you follow some safety guidelines and are responsible for your actions.
Being on a sheet of ice is not easy and can be very dangerous. But with the right preparation, know how you will have better chances at staying safe.
Big Potential Dangers of Ice Fishing?
Ice Fishing The dangers of an activity many enjoy, but should be aware enough not to get caught off guard by them.
Education on how these risks can occur will help keep you safe during your next fishing trip.
Here are some tips for ice fishing safely. Keep an eye out and stay safe.
Cold Weather
OK, so it’s winter. The ice fishing season has just begun and there is a good chance that you will be spending your day in the cold air with nothing but snow to keep warm by.
Hypothermia can happen to anyone, even those who stay in their homes most of the time.
Hypothermia is a medical emergency where the body’s ability to generate heat rapidly decreases and can no longer keep up with what it sends out.
Hypothermia is a silent killer that attacks your mental capacity, making it difficult to realize you have this disorder.
According to Mayo Clinic, signs of hypothermia are;
- Confusion
- sleepy
- Uncontrollable coldness
- Loss of coordination
- Slow Heart rate
What are you looking for in your next ice fishing adventure?
A great suit, a cozy shelter or maybe even some heaters. The options seem endless when it comes to preparing for the season.
The danger of hypothermia is one that can be dangerously overlooked. What many people don’t realize, however, are the other risks associated with winter’s chilly climate- such as FROSTBITE.
The best way to avoid frostbite is by keeping your fingers warm and dry.
Frostbite can happen in an instant, but there are many things you should do before it does.
The index and middle fingers are most susceptible to frostbite because they’re exposed when you hold things with your hand. You can prevent it by making sure that both hands stay warm while doing activities like driving or operating heavy machinery; keeping them cozy in subzero weather conditions through wearing gloves (or mukluks) made of wool, cashmere whatever is best for the task at hand.
Ice Breaking And Falling
The thought of falling through the ice is a major concern for many people who fish on lakes and rivers.
Let me say this at this point, the best way to avoid being injured by falling through the ice is not going fishing.
Sometimes accidents happen no matter how careful you are. But there’s a few things that can help protect yourself from falling through the ice and sustaining an injury.
The second thing you should always have with when fishing on ice is a pair of picks and wear a glove to ensure safety. The spikes on these picks will help give yourself traction when pulling out if there’s any trouble.
Slipping On Ice
Fresh snow is a beautiful thing, but it can also be very dangerous. I’ve had friends who fell on their backsides when they tried to walk straight through the fresh powder without taking any steps down from one side or another first.
It isn’t so bad with good coverage unless you slip up and bend over backwards during an accident this isn’t fun at all.
The best way to avoid slipping on the ice is by being prepared. Ice fishing is a great way to get out on the frozen water, but you need specific equipment for it. Make sure your boots are warm and comfortable with grip. And if possible take some cleats too, they’ll help when we start talking about those sharp blades of ice melting from beneath our feet.
Burning skin
I know you are wondering why the burn when the weather is cold.
Skin conditions like burns are one of the many dangers that come with ice fishing. The high powered heaters and enclosed shelters make it easy for them to occur, not just on your body but also in what you’re wearing if nylon clothing isn’t used.
Fires are always a concern. You can never be too careful around them, so it’s best to have some safety equipment on hand like an extinguisher or first aid kit in case there’s an emergency or even just some cooking gone wrong.
Common Potential Injuries Ice Anglers Face
The strange but true news is that out of the 8220 fishing related injuries received in 5 years, only 1% were from ice fishing.
The reality is that ice fishing can be dangerous. There are fewer injuries, but those who get hurt tend to have more severe wounds due to the nature of their work.
The data shows that ice anglers are at risk for more serious injuries, especially those involving the muscles and bones. They also have a higher chance of getting burned or drowning than regular fishermen do.
Ice fishing can be an exciting sport, but it’s not without risks. Musculoskeletal injuries are common when ice holes aren’t carefully inspected for hidden dangers before stepping out on the frozen surface or falling into even a small crevice with no warning signs like slippery algae-coated rocks that might give way beneath your feet at any moment you’re not looking down them
The Daily Mail reports research showing how many people who go outside during winter months suffer from painful muscle strains and sprains as they try their best to catch those elusive fish despite suffering these types of accidents while outdoors.
Thickness of Ice
It’s important to know the danger of ice thickness because more people are drowning in water with thin sheets.
Ice can be your worst nightmare if you don’t know what to watch out for. The following guide will help minimize the dangers of falling through an ice thicker than usual.
Ice Thickness Guide
The Canadians have been ice skating for years and they know a thing or two about it. Based on guidance from Outdoor Canada, here’s how thick the ices need to be with different weights.
The height of your pup’s paws determine the thickness you’ll need to maintain. If they are more than 3 inches tall, then it is best that their shoes have some substance so they do not get knocked down by ice or other obstacles on walks outside. 4-5 inch pet companions can safely go about 8 – 12 inches deep into most snowmobile tracks without worry however these same distances may cause issues for larger vehicles such as pickup trucks which would likely require mid sized tires at 15.
The information provided by this article should not replace medically prescribed treatment but instead act as an aid in understanding what type of rehabilitation may work best if you’ve gotten hurt while outdoors engaged in activities like skiing etcetera.
The best way to find out if an area will be good for ice fishing is by checking the depth. Different depths freeze at different points, so make sure you know what kind of water your location falls into before heading out.
When water freezes, it can form ice with different thicknesses. The type of freezing that happens depends on the temperature and how fast you’re cooling down your body this is why knowing what waves or eddies are around can help prevent hypothermia.
Now here’s everything there ever needed to know about assessing dangers relating to ice thickness.
The thickness of the ice is thinner near land. There are two main reasons for this – currents and flow cause it to be thinner, as well underwater features like submerged trees can make things not so clear on top but there’s no need worry because if you’re fishing in water with less visibility than usual then chances are your line will still get caught up enough where they won’t see anything.
Test If Ice is Thick Enough to Fish
The thickness of ice can vary dramatically on any given body of water, so it’s important to measure your own personal piece. Use a tape measure and an auger (or drill) for holes in order establish how thickly packed together layer upon frozen sheet are throughout the entire span that you will be fishing over if there is no recorded data then this step might take some time.
Fishing in the shoulder months can be a risky business, but there are still plenty of opportunities for successful fishing. For sure shots make your greatest effort during winter January and February to be exact when fish species most often swim near their freezing point due northern climates that encourage them into interior waters looking out over land masses housing nutritious food sources like brains or other bony muscle tissue which they use specifically if temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius).
Tips Stay Safe While Ice Fishing
Ice fishing can be a great time, but it’s not always easy. Here’s what to do when you’re out there.
Fish With A Group
Two heads they say are better than one. However, it is even more enjoyable to take your friend along when you’re ice fishing or camping since they will be able spot any danger before it’s too late.
A person should never go off on their own because then there’s no one else around who can help them if something goes wrong which often happens without somebody being aware of what happened until later down the line.
Take Your Mobile Phone
Your mobile phone is your direct link to the outside world. Make sure it’s charged and keep in a Ziploc bag in case you get wet, because even though phones can be expensive toys these days you don’t want them ruined by water.
Wear Warm and Waterproof Clothing
When you are out on the ice, it is important to stay as warm and dry as possible. The most common injury in an area where there’s plenty of winter sports involve slips or breaks from fall onto Thin Ice. Be sure that your clothing will keep water away never wear anything polyester which easily absorbs moisture because these types fabrics become very conductive when wet causing us more discomfort as we slip around inside them while trying not fall down.
Conclusion
Ice fishing is great fun and totally safe. As with many outdoor activities, it pays to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when out on the frozen deep.
