Do you love big bluegill?

P1012881 (2)

Lots of snow on the ice

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Comment by John Sheehan on December 2, 2015 at 8:23am: I've never used a spud bar .The hand auger is much lighter to lug around I assume.

Comment by dick tabbert on December 1, 2015 at 3:58pm: I use to use a spud bar when I was younger. If you have 6" of ice its a breeze to chip out a hole in a very short period of time. Through the years I made a dozen or so and give then all away. I remember the block of steel was 1"'x4"x6". The most important thing was the taper with a high degree of taper. After cutting the taper it was welded on a solid 1" shaft about 6' long.. They are great tools for early ice and work well.

Comment by Slip Sinker on December 1, 2015 at 2:07pm: to consider if the ice is safe before venturing out i do a little upfront work... always think safety.

1- i follow the weather especially the low nightime temps.
2- investigate your local forums ... fisherman are always searching and posting ice thickness and safety
3- do drivebys of the lakes you intend to fish... seek out the boat ramps and DNR access sites first. if vehicles are out there you definetly have safe ice.
4- of course take the spud with you test out the walk ahead of you
5- predrilling a hole if thickness is not known is always a good idea.
6- it is not the best idea to venture out on the ice alone.

Comment by carl hendrix on December 1, 2015 at 1:32pm: good idea on using a spud bar Tony-- and; if I am correct;; if it sounds hollow underneath;; avoid the area !!!

Comment by Tony Livingston on December 1, 2015 at 12:42pm: I like to use a spud bar to strike the ice a couple feet in front of shoes while I work my way out. But this is a technique that requires experience, and learning your particular spud. I can usually tell from the sound if the ice is solid, and if the bar goes through in just a couple three hits it's too thin.

Comment by John Sheehan on December 1, 2015 at 11:37am: Drill in the shallows at first . Another good indication is if the open water by a deep dam on a reservoir where water is flowing starts freezing pretty good the shallower lakes may already have safe ice .

Comment by carl hendrix on December 1, 2015 at 11:26am: thanks John; and Tony ! gives a lot to think about; some ice; not safe at 6 to 7 inches? so;; how do you know how thick the ice is ;; before you go out on it?

Comment by Tony Livingston on December 1, 2015 at 10:53am: All ice is not created equal. I suppose the "by the book" answer of how thick is considered safe, would be the response of "there's no such thing". But, real world scenario, I agree with John. 4" of GOOD ice is my personal minimum, although when younger I wouldn't hesitate to fish on 2.5-3" of good clear ice. I've also been on junk ice, that wasn't safe at 6-7".

Comment by John Sheehan on December 1, 2015 at 10:05am: 4" is considered safe usually but when there is a lot of snow on the ice that may not be safe .This photo is from a lake over the border in NY state and they seem to want 6".I think it depends on weight of wet snow and how the winds affect buildup as well as temps throughout the day and week . I have to say Carl I'm a small guy 175 lbs but like to see somebody heavier than me out on the ice and not falling in before I'm out there . Rare I get on the ice before New Years day but it's happened around Christmas being the earliest .

Comment by carl hendrix on December 1, 2015 at 9:25am: John;; in my area; we dont freeze up in the south;; like our northern states do; so; if you could; just how thick would ice have to be considered;; safe ice ?? growing up in my much younger days; I learned a short poem about ice; always wondered if it was true---- inches two; it;ll hold you;; inches three-- thee and me;;; inches four-- set up a store;; inches eight-- holds a ton of freight. how close is that to reality John ??