With temperatures dropping into the teens on recent evenings, folks have already started ice fishing around Ohio. But this early in the ice fishing season lakes are not always safe. Over the years, I have picked up the following safety tips from state natural resources agencies in the northern Midwest states:
-- No ice is 100 percent safe. Always use caution, no matter how thick you might believe the ice to be.
-- Beware of ice on moving water, such as streams or lakes that have open dam areas or are wind-swept. They will not freeze as quickly as more stable lakes.
-- Always check ice conditions with a local source by phone or Internet before making the trip to fish at a lake.
-- Never go out on the ice alone. Go in groups of two or more and always walk with good spacing between each other.
-- Carry a long pole or rope for possible rescue. Also carry ice picks or even screwdrivers tied together around your neck that can be used to pull yourself out in case you fall in.
-- Tell someone on shore where you are going and when you should be expected back.
-- Dress warmly, with lined, waterproof boots. Wear some kind of ice traction device on your shoes. If fishing from a shanty, wear warm clothing in layers. You can shed clothing when inside a heated shanty.
-- Carry a cell phone sealed in a plastic bag.
-- Wear a life jacket.
-- Avoid cracked areas, snow-covered ice, bubbled and dirty ice and ice that has pulled away from the bank.
-- While no table is absolute, the Minnesota DNR offers the following minimum clear ice thickness guidelines: 4 inches for walking; 6 inches for ATVs and snowmobiles; 8-12 inches for cars and light trucks.
-- And one last tip: if there is ever ANY question about ice safety, stay on shore!
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