Post By: Fisherman79 Posted: 10/31/2021 6:45:29 AMPoints: 789
Iced St Marys saturday afternoon. Had to leap frog from one sheet of ice to another. Some places was 3" thick but the dark spots my hand auger poked right on through without a twist of the handle. Also one leg went through the ice on the way back. Well worth it. I fished in about 12 to 14 fow. Caught about 20 brookies and 7 tigers.
Reply by: GoNe_FiShIn_11 Posted: 10/31/2021 8:25:38 AM Points: 11422
At times the risk is worth taking. Glad all went well. This time of the year can be extremely dangerous with the new ice coming on in areas. Taking the right precautions can pay off. Thanks for sharing.
One more thing if you haven’t done yet. You go put an lake update in. Get some points for the winter give away.
I had my spikes around my neck and drilled holes in front of me as I walked out there. If it wasn't for two other idiots in the middle of the lake throwing a softball sized rock I probably would have never stepped on that ice. O and although a "leg" fell through only my boot got wet which I knew was going th happen. I fish chatty when the shoreline starts to melt at the end of the season but Im more prepaired with muck boots.
To each their own my friend. Some times you have to take risks. Some greater then others. From the sounds of it he used caution and was rewarded with some fish. I for one have been on ice I should have never been on in the early season. How many can say they fished on an inch and half of ice? I can. Was it scary ? You bet your ass!! But never went through and caught a few. I find that broken up ice like that is usually better ice then solid sheet of ice at times. Not always but at times. Unless it was broken up pretty recently it usually freezes back up solid if not better then before. Just looks horrible.
Reply by: Goosehunter82 Posted: 11/2/2021 8:01:20 AM Points: 74065
I've fished on an inch or so on numerous occasions. (not recommending in any way) The biggest difference is I was 2 minutes from my vehicle and generally fishing less than 6 fow. Fall through at st Mary's you'll end up with hypothermia before you can get back down.
Reply by: Kirk56 Posted: 11/2/2021 11:48:51 AM Points: 81
Very cool pics. I"m more than ready to go myself for reasons beyond just fishing. Will be on thicker ice for more R&D asap. More ice fishing discussion please so that I can keep my sanity, Here's to Barnacles for his usual steady hand Skipper info. Looking forward to personally speaking with him. Please help me get in touch with him as I have lost his ph# Be safe and I hope to be ice fishing very soon. Tight Lines and God Bless
Cracks me up every time. Many people who were smart and had friends/ extra clothes have survived a dunk. Not recommending it but… there are ways to ice fish safely even on 1” of ice. If you aren’t comfortable stay home. If you are comfortable use common sense and be prepared. I agree no trout is worth dying for, however being judgemental of others who were probably safe and making the most of their day ain’t much better.
@Trailerman… If you really believe the comments you made in your post, I can honestly say you are minimizing the dangers of fishing on new, thin ice! A warm set of clothes and “friends” are not always going to be able to save your butt if you “take a dunk” as you put it. Sure, you can rationalize it in many ways, but the bottom line is NO ICE is consistent. 1” in one place could very well be 1/2” a few feet away. Nature is like that! I’m glad it “cracks you up” when someone like me points out a situation that is not only unsafe, but potentially lethal as well. I have a strong opinion on this topic, and I won’t apologize for bringing attention to how dangerous new or thin ice could become. I only hope you never have to experience falling through this ice…or even worse, the loss of a friend or loved one. It’s nothing personal, just “common sense” that comes with age. Ski
Ski, I totally understand your point. It only takes once to totally change your perspective. I just don’t like the way people tend to be a little condescending about others choices. There are ways to be prepared. There are also times when the prepared pay the price. We all make choices on what is safe and what isn’t everyday. I think it’s awesome that we can make those choices!
Reply by: MOJO Posted: 11/18/2021 10:30:31 AM Points: 602
Maybe rescuers should exercise that same personal choice when it comes to the situation. Should I or should I not rescue when someone had disregarded common sense? It is your choice and there is no issue if it just involves you but pushing the envelope might come at a cost to someone other than yourself. Fish safe, fish for as long as you can!
Fisherman79 while I agree with you on your original point, the last few posts (including the one that got moderated away) ain’t changing anybody’s opinions. Most people are here because name calling, and posts with a confrontational attitude are generally reserved for Facebook lol. Yes the old wise sages that think you’re stupid have basically said just that… and those of us who agree with you are likely, unfortunately, finding it harder to defend your position. I personally admire your effort to check out some first ice and be nice enough to share your experience on here.
Mojo man, Tell us how you really feel! HAHA!. Thank goodness you aren't in charge. You know Boulder is a beautiful place--in the rearview mirror at 100mph.
