Ice Safety for Ice Fishing: What Actually Keeps You Out of the Water
We debunk ice safety myths and give you straight answers on thickness, gear, and self-rescue, so you can fish hard and come home dry.
Ice Safety
The Ice Fishing Journal
Ice safety, gear, and ice fishing.
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Gear & Equipment
Ice Fishing Gear: My 4-Inch Rule and Why Your Auger Choice Matters Most
I debunk the biggest ice fishing gear myths and give you my no-nonsense take on augers, shelters, and safety gear. Plus, the one number that should ru...
Ice Safety
How Thick Does Ice Need to Be for Ice Fishing?
We cut through the guesswork on ice safety: exactly how many inches you need for walking, snowmobiles, and trucks, and why you should never trust a si...
Destinations & Reports
Why I'm Skipping First Ice and Heading to a Burbot Lake Instead
First ice is a trap for destination anglers. The real winter opportunities — burbot, whitefish, lake trout — peak later, and the safety margin is wide...
Ice Safety
The Ice Safety Rule I Ignore: Why Four Inches Is a Lie
Common advice says four inches of ice is safe. I argue that's reckless. Walk through a real scenario with a snowmobile and learn the true safety margi...
Ice Safety
The Four-Inch Rule Is a Myth: A Field Report on Ice Safety
Four inches of clear ice might hold a person, but that doesn't make it safe. Here's how to read ice like a local and avoid a cold-water disaster.
Destinations & Reports
Why You Should Ignore the Ice Thickness Chart and Trust Your Spud Bar
Standard ice thickness charts give a false sense of security. Real ice safety depends on local conditions, constant checking, and having a rescue plan...
Gear & Equipment
Is Your Ice Fishing Gear a Death Trap? The Case for a Spud Bar
Forget the fancy flasher. Before you drill a single hole, you need a spud bar. Here's why testing ice with your auger is a deadly mistake.
Gear & Equipment
The 4-Inch Myth: Why Your Ice Safety Rules Are Killing the Sport
You've heard 4 inches is safe. It isn't, not always. Here's how to read ice like a pro and gear up without dying.
Gear & Equipment
The First 100 Yards: Why Most Ice Anglers Misjudge Early-Season Safety
Early-ice anglers often trust the whole lake because the shore looks solid. But ice thickness varies wildly. We walk through a typical first-trip scen...
Gear & Equipment
Flip-Over vs. Hub Shelters: Which Ice Fishing Shelter Wins?
Flip-over or hub shelter? We compare mobility, setup speed, heat retention, and cost to help you choose the right ice fishing shelter for your style.
Techniques & Tips
Tip-Ups vs. Jigging: We Pick the Winner for Hard-Water Walleye
Most ice anglers default to jigging, but for walleye, tip-ups often win. We compare both on mobility, action, and learning curve—and tell you exactly ...
Ice Safety
Why Four Inches of Clear Ice Is Not a Guarantee of Safety
Four inches of clear new ice is the minimum, but it's not a guarantee. Learn why ice strength varies, how to test it, and why you should never trust t...