It is always this time of year when long days of the sun beating down on the ice combined with rapidly changing
weather can do a number on the ice. No matter how cold it gets at night you really have to be careful out there
this time of year. A recent warm spell here in New York left a lot of slush on the ice. That slush rotted the ice
in many places as it did not stay warm long enough to melt all of it. The ice was speckled with large black spots
that a spud would go through with one strike. Now we have more snow on top of it and trying to navigate
out there would be like walking through a mine field.
Despite the colder temps we have been getting now, you can still feel spring in the air. It breaks light a lot
earlier and gets dark a lot later. The air smells different and the birds are singing the songs of spring.
Those extra rays beating down can do a number on the ice even on what seems like a colder day. You can't treat
the ice like it is mid-January despite what the thermometer says.
Another thing to take caution of is pressure cracks especially after a period of erratic temperatures.
I am not only talking about out in the middle. Watch near the shore as well. It is unpredictable where the pressure
is going to bulge or sink the ice.
Throw a coat of snow on top of that and watch out.
Ice anglers need to be cautious and getting reports before you head out is wise advice. Heaven forbid someone
walks out on the lake I was talking about without proper warning and goes through. A dog went through out
there the other day. They got the dog out but not without risking their own lives in the process.
The best place to get up to date reports about the lake you are on is IceShanty.com.
I would not suggest anyone go out this time of year without getting a report first, especially if there is snow on
the ice. It would also be a good idea to have your ice spikes around your neck. If you do not have any then find a
couple of old screwdrivers in the garage. Take a 4 foot rope and duck tape each end of the rope on to the screwdrivers.
Never take them off.
I am not afraid of the ice but I do respect it. The ice may still be there but spring is here as well.
Be safe out there!!!
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