FishUSA Angler Resources

Comprehensive Guide to Ice Fishing Safety Gear & Tips

By: FishUSA Staff

October 11, 2024

Ice fishing is a rewarding winter activity, but it comes with serious risks, including thin ice, freezing water, and dangerous weather conditions. To ensure your ice fishing adventure is safe, it's crucial to be properly equipped with the right safety gear. In this detailed guide, we'll explore all the essential ice fishing safety gear you need, how to use it, and some extra tips to ensure you're fully prepared for your trip on the ice.

Ice fishing is a rewarding winter activity, but it comes with serious risks, including thin ice, freezing water, and dangerous weather conditions. To ensure your ice fishing adventure is safe, it's crucial to be properly equipped with the right safety gear. In this detailed guide, we'll explore all the essential ice fishing safety gear you need, how to use it, and some extra tips to ensure you're fully prepared for your trip on the ice.

Table of Contents

  • Must-Have Ice Fishing Safety Gear
  • Understanding Ice Thickness and Conditions
  • Additional Ice Fishing Safety Tips
  • Final Thoughts

Must-Have Ice Fishing Safety Gear

Ice Picks/Rescue Picks

Ice picks are a lifesaving tool if you fall through the ice. These sharp tools allow you to pull yourself back onto solid ice.

How to Use

  • Keep the picks around your neck or in a place for easy access.
  • After falling through, use them to drive into the ice and pull yourself out while kicking your legs.

Recommended Product

Buy Clam Flaoting Ice Picks

Ice Chisel (Spud Bar)

An ice chisel helps check ice thickness as you walk, ensuring the ice can support your weight.

How to Use

  • Strike the ice in front of you and observe how easily it breaks. If the chisel goes through with just a few strikes, it’s too thin for walking.

Recommended Product

  • Jiffy Mille Lacs Ice Chisel – The Mille Lacs Ice Chisel features a unique step chisel design that can rapidly chisel a hole, even through three feet of ice! These chisels are great for flaring out the bottom of a drilled hole to make it easier to land the larger fish species. It features a one-piece steel design that measures 52 inches long, including a protective cover.
Buy Jiffy Mille Lacs Ice Chisel

Floating Ice Suit

A floating ice suit serves two important purposes: keeping you warm and providing buoyancy in case you fall through the ice.

Benefits

  • Built-in flotation to keep you afloat.
  • Waterproof material to prevent rapid water absorption.
  • Insulation to protect against hypothermia.

Recommended Product

Buy Norfin Element Plus Float Suit

Ice Cleats

Slipping on the ice is a common hazard, but ice cleats offer extra traction to prevent falls.

Features

  • Steel spikes for enhanced grip.
  • Adjustable fit to accommodate various boot sizes.

Recommended Product

Buy Korkers Extreme Ice Cleat

Throw Rope

It’s no secret that ice fishing with a buddy is a smart decision. It's an even smarter decision that each person has a rope throw bag. A throw bag typically has fifty feet of rope in a bag that can be thrown to a friend in case of an emergency. Having one clipped onto your jacket and or machine and not buried in the bottom of a bucket full of hooks is key. Many anglers on first and last ice will pull out the rope and let it trail behind them so in case of falling in your buddy already has the rope ready for action.

How to Use

  • Keep a safe distance from the hole and throw the rope to the person.
  • Pull them slowly and steadily to safety while maintaining low ground.

Recommended Product

  • Scotty Rescue Throw Bag – This self-draining bag contains 50 feet worth of braided MFP polypropylene floating rope and a 3M reflective safety band. An adjustable snapping strap is also included.
Buy Scotty Rescue Throw Bag

Ice Auger Cover

Sharp ice auger blades can be dangerous if left uncovered. A blade cover prevents injuries while transporting or storing your auger.

Recommended Product

  • Eskimo Universal Ice Auger Blade Guard – This cover ensures that the auger blades stay protected when not in use, preventing accidental cuts.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, and having a first aid kit ensures you’re ready to handle minor injuries on the ice.

Recommended Contents

  • Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and adhesive tape.
  • Emergency blankets and hand warmers for treating hypothermia.

Recommended Product

  • Adventure Medical Kits Sportsman Series – A comprehensive first aid kit designed for outdoor adventures.

VHF Radio

A VHF (Very High Frequency) radio is a critical communication tool in case of emergencies. In remote areas, cell phone signals may not be reliable, and a VHF radio allows you to contact emergency services or other anglers in the area.

Benefits

  • Provides reliable communication even in remote areas.
  • Waterproof models are ideal for icy, wet conditions.

Recommended Product

Buy Standard Horizon VHF Radio

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is vital when fishing in remote areas or alone. In an emergency, a PLB can send your location to rescue services.

Features

  • Sends a distress signal with your GPS location to rescue authorities.
  • Compact and lightweight for easy carrying.

Recommended Product

Buy ACR ResQLink PLB

Whistle

A whistle is an inexpensive but essential piece of safety equipment that allows you to signal for help in case of an emergency.

Recommended Product

  • Storm Safety Whistle – A high-powered whistle that works in extreme weather conditions.

Ice Shelter

While primarily seen as comfort gear, ice shelters protect anglers from dangerous winds, snow, and extreme cold. A portable shelter can prevent hypothermia in harsh conditions.

Recommended Product

Buy Eskimo FatFish Series Ice Shelter

Understanding Ice Thickness and Conditions

Safe Ice Thickness Guidelines

Knowing the ice thickness before stepping out is crucial for safety. Here's a general guide:

  • 2 inches or less: Stay off the ice.
  • 4 inches: Safe for ice fishing on foot.
  • 5-7 inches: Safe for snowmobiles or ATVs.
  • 8-12 inches: Safe for cars or light trucks.
  • 12-15 inches: Safe for medium trucks.

Use an ice chisel or auger to check ice thickness as you move. Ice can vary dramatically, even over short distances, so frequent checks are essential.

Additional Ice Fishing Safety Tips

Fish with a Partner

Never ice fish alone if possible. If you fall through the ice or have a medical emergency, having a fishing partner can be the difference between life and death.

Dress in Layers

Staying warm is one of the most important safety measures when ice fishing. Dressing in layers allows you to regulate your body temperature as conditions change. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with waterproof outerwear.

Monitor Weather Conditions

Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out, and be prepared for sudden changes. Heavy snow and strong winds can make the ice unstable, and a sudden temperature increase can weaken ice quickly.

Emergency Heat Source

Carry a portable heater in case of extreme cold, but make sure it is used in a well-ventilated space to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Know When to Leave

If you hear cracking ice, see pooling water or the weather starts to turn, it’s time to pack up and leave. No fish is worth risking your life.

Final Thoughts

Ice fishing is an enjoyable and challenging winter sport, but it’s not without its dangers. Being prepared with the right safety gear can save your life in case of an emergency. From ice picks to a VHF radio, each item plays an essential role in keeping you safe on the ice. Ensure that you are fully equipped, follow safety guidelines, and always prioritize safety over your catch.

Shop Ice Fishing Gear & Tackle

  • Ice Fishing Rods
  • Ice Fishing Reels
  • Ice Fishing Baits & Lures
  • Flashers & Sonars
  • Ice Augers
  • Ice Shelters