Winter is arriving with a whimper, not a vengeance this year (at least so far.)
How long this fairly decent weather will continue is unknown.
While some folks will think our present temperature is not fine, maybe it’s just how you look at things.
I talked to some of my tourism bureau friends yesterday. They have 10 inches of ice on the lake.
Of course that is Lake of the Woods in Baudette, Minnesota.
Ice fishing season started on LOW recently. I doubt if central Indiana will see that much ice this year.
Up north, they are driving their four wheelers on the lake, but few are actually putting their trucks on the slick stuff yet. There are still some soft spots in places.
Another couple weeks and the lake will be a big parking lot at the fishing spots.
Winter means the end of a lot of things, but fishing is not one of them. To the diehard fisherman, it just means a change of tactics and gear. Ice fishing will soon be available in our area to those who know how to handle it.
Safety should be the first concern for the winter angler. No fish is worth breaking through thin ice, risking drowning or freezing.
Thickness of ice is the usual criteria for safety. But, ice thickness varies greatly from spot to spot depending on assorted conditions. Water current from an incoming creek, a spring under the ice, water level fluctuations, varying air temperatures, underwater vegetation, water depth, snow cover and many more factors can influence the quantity and quality of ice formation.
Talk to area bait shops and local anglers and then test the ice yourself before deciding if it’s safe.
A minimum of four inches should be the rule. Be extremely cautious if fishing on untested ice such as a farm pond, and never ice fish alone.
New blue ice is stronger than old gray or blackened ice, while especially in late season, honeycombed or shoreline ice is dangerous. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Just because TV programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin show lakes looking like parking lots doesn’t mean we can do it in Indiana.
When you establish the ice is safe, the next problem is how to stay warm while exposed to high winds, cold temperatures, snow, ice and water.
When I was young, (many decades ago!), I just put on all the clothes I had available, sat on a bucket with my back to the wind, and stayed out until I couldn’t stand the cold any longer.
Now, with all kinds of new materials available, it’s just a matter of deciding which waterproof, windproof and super-warm clothing you can afford to buy.
Several layers are best, starting with a thin layer to prevent sweating while transporting gear to your favorite fishing hole, then, adding more layers as needed to maintain comfort. The new heat packs of almost any size to fit inside boots, gloves and pockets — and even tape to your body — have a heat source that lasts for hours and almost make me want to start ice fishing again.
Eating and drinking a lot and often will tend to keep you warmer, but avoid alcohol as it actually cools the body. Of course, it simplifies matters if you have one of those nice ice shanties with all the comforts of home. Adjust the heater, find the ball game on the portable TV and relax while you wait for the fish to bite.
Ice cleats that fasten to your boots make walking on the ice to your favorite spot easier. Sunglasses are also a requirement to avoid the glare off snow and ice.
Several other items are not often used by winter fishermen but should be.
A GPS unit, while used by many hunters, is not carried by most fishermen. If their location is well marked by a shack or other marker, it is easy to find. But especially if on a large body of ice, a sudden snowstorm or heavy fog can cause a whiteout, making the shoreline impossible to find without assistance.
Ice fishermen also should wear a personal flotation device. Falling into freezing water can sap your strength quickly, and a PFD can keep you afloat until help arrives or you can extricate yourself.
Twenty-five feet of strong, thin rope with a loop or snap on the end should be fastened to your belt or clothes within easy reach. Any safety item buried in your pack does you no good. The rope can be quickly fastened around your body and thrown to a rescuer if necessary.
Another product that used to be on the market (I don’t know if it’s still available) is the “Pick of Life.” It consists of two 4-inch cylinders connected together by a cord for easy carrying. Each cylinder contains a sturdy pick guarded by a retractable, spring-loaded cover. When plunged into the ice, the guard retracts, allowing the pick to penetrate the ice. This enables the fisherman who has fallen through the ice to pull himself along to a solid area. A pair of sharpened screwdrivers fitted with covers would probably work if the commercial item cannot be found.
Ice fishing can be great fun, but like many outdoor activities, it can also be dangerous if not done properly. Know what you’re doing and plan for possible problems. Being prepared usually prevents problems from occurring.
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