The old adage always goes that first ice is the best ice. In general it turns out to be true as fish are feeding with abandon to store up for the long winter. Unfortunately with this period comes a lot of risk on the ice anglers part. Ice will obviously be thin and can be patchy and unpredictable. Here are my rules for venturing out early in the season.
1) If I think that it is questionable to be on the ice, don't be on the ice. This is supposed to be fun, and taking my life in my hands is not my idea of a good time. If in doubt, error on the side of caution.
2) The ice better be 4-6" thick near shore. I want all ice to be at least 4" thick if I'm going on the ice, so I cut a hole in shallow water (2' or so) and check the thickness of the ice. If it isn't 4" there, I'm off the ice. End of story, if it is, I will consider venturing out.
3) Bring some specialized ice fishing gear. Bring a ice chisel or similar to test the ice on every step. If the chisel breaks through at any point, go back EXACTLY as you came. The ice obviously was strong enough to support you on the way out, it should hold you as your retreat.
4) Bring some ice spikes just in case. These simple safety tools can literally be the difference between life and death if the worst case happens. Either buy some or make some to have at the ready in case of disaster.
Like all of you, I'm all in for catching a lot of fish. As soon as I can get an ice fishing rod in my hand I am all for being game on. But in order to continue to do this year after year we need to keep in mind how truly dangerous early and thin ice can be. Please be extremely careful while on the ice, especially early in the season.
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