How to tell ice thickness

[SC]

Hi everyone.

On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to measure the
ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have bought a
house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and hack a hole
with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?

Thanks a lot in advance.

ARB

[_jj_]

>Hi everyone.
>On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to measure the
>ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have bought a
>house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and hack a hole
>with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
>Thanks a lot in advance.
>ARB



With cottages and civilization around a lake - watch out for
warm spots <thin ice> where drains / storm sewers enter the lake.
Even with a foot of ice everywhere else - you could get a trouble
spot. Thin ice also around dark spots in the ice - like logs or
cardboard - that soak up the sun's rays .. when the rest of the lake
is just marginal (a few inches).
Take care.
John T.

[smiles]

The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a hole.
4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take a
couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the blade
of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my liking.
If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out of a
long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the end. You
sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will cost you
about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width of the
cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to go ice
fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice auger is
the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes will cost
about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting knocked
about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are sharpened.
They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will go
through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters must be
carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20 bucks.
I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and they get
sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch diameter
augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you fish in
an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather large
fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the holes
have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25 weather, a 6
inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice is a
bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice fishing,
most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost about 350
dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can offer to
cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine could have
paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra weight
and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems. Manual
augers always start.



"SC" > wrote in message
...
> Hi everyone.
>
> On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to measure
the
> ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have bought
a
> house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and hack a
hole
> with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
>
> Thanks a lot in advance.
>
> ARB
>
>

[SC]

Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for your
interesting and detailed replies :-)

It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to go on
16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know how I
get on.

Thanks again

ARB

"smiles" > wrote in message
...
> The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a hole.
> 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take a
> couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the blade
> of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my
liking.
> If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out of a
> long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the end.
You
> sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will cost
you
> about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width of the
> cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to go ice
> fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice auger is
> the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes will cost
> about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting
knocked
> about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are sharpened.
> They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will go
> through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters must
be
> carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20
bucks.
> I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and they
get
> sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch diameter
> augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you fish
in
> an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather large
> fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the holes
> have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25 weather, a 6
> inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice is a
> bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice fishing,
> most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost about 350
> dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can offer to
> cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine could have
> paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra weight
> and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems. Manual
> augers always start.
>
>
>
> "SC" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi everyone.
> >
> > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to measure
> the
> > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have
bought
> a
> > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and hack a
> hole
> > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> >
> > Thanks a lot in advance.
> >
> > ARB
> >
> >
>
>

[Marc]

Well be careful & wear your chest waders & PFD!
Glub! Glub!
LOL
"SC" > wrote in message
...
> Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for your
> interesting and detailed replies :-)
>
> It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to go on
> 16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know how I
> get on.
>
> Thanks again
>
> ARB
>
> "smiles" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a
hole.
> > 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take a
> > couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the
blade
> > of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my
> liking.
> > If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out of a
> > long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the end.
> You
> > sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will cost
> you
> > about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width of
the
> > cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to go
ice
> > fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice auger
is
> > the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes will
cost
> > about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting
> knocked
> > about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are sharpened.
> > They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will go
> > through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters must
> be
> > carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20
> bucks.
> > I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and they
> get
> > sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch diameter
> > augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you
fish
> in
> > an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather
large
> > fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the
holes
> > have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25 weather, a
6
> > inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice is
a
> > bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice
fishing,
> > most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost about
350
> > dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can offer
to
> > cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine could
have
> > paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra
weight
> > and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems. Manual
> > augers always start.
> >
> >
> >
> > "SC" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Hi everyone.
> > >
> > > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to
measure
> > the
> > > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have
> bought
> > a
> > > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and hack
a
> > hole
> > > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> > >
> > > Thanks a lot in advance.
> > >
> > > ARB
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[SC]

LOL and you forgot Brrrrr :-)

"Marc" > wrote in message
.. .
> Well be careful & wear your chest waders & PFD!
> Glub! Glub!
> LOL
> "SC" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for your
> > interesting and detailed replies :-)
> >
> > It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to go on
> > 16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know how
I
> > get on.
> >
> > Thanks again
> >
> > ARB
> >
> > "smiles" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a
> hole.
> > > 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take a
> > > couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the
> blade
> > > of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my
> > liking.
> > > If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out of
a
> > > long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the
end.
> > You
> > > sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will
cost
> > you
> > > about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width of
> the
> > > cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to go
> ice
> > > fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice auger
> is
> > > the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes will
> cost
> > > about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting
> > knocked
> > > about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are
sharpened.
> > > They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will go
> > > through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters
must
> > be
> > > carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20
> > bucks.
> > > I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and
they
> > get
> > > sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch
diameter
> > > augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you
> fish
> > in
> > > an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather
> large
> > > fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the
> holes
> > > have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25 weather,
a
> 6
> > > inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice
is
> a
> > > bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice
> fishing,
> > > most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost about
> 350
> > > dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can offer
> to
> > > cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine could
> have
> > > paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra
> weight
> > > and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems.
Manual
> > > augers always start.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "SC" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Hi everyone.
> > > >
> > > > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to
> measure
> > > the
> > > > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have
> > bought
> > > a
> > > > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and
hack
> a
> > > hole
> > > > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks a lot in advance.
> > > >
> > > > ARB
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[Dre]

Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice breaks and
your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the bottom.

Dre

"Marc" > wrote in message
.. .
> Well be careful & wear your chest waders & PFD!
> Glub! Glub!
> LOL
> "SC" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for your
> > interesting and detailed replies :-)
> >
> > It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to go on
> > 16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know how
I
> > get on.
> >
> > Thanks again
> >
> > ARB
> >
> > "smiles" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a
> hole.
> > > 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take a
> > > couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the
> blade
> > > of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my
> > liking.
> > > If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out of
a
> > > long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the
end.
> > You
> > > sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will
cost
> > you
> > > about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width of
> the
> > > cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to go
> ice
> > > fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice auger
> is
> > > the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes will
> cost
> > > about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting
> > knocked
> > > about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are
sharpened.
> > > They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will go
> > > through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters
must
> > be
> > > carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20
> > bucks.
> > > I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and
they
> > get
> > > sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch
diameter
> > > augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you
> fish
> > in
> > > an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather
> large
> > > fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the
> holes
> > > have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25 weather,
a
> 6
> > > inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice
is
> a
> > > bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice
> fishing,
> > > most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost about
> 350
> > > dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can offer
> to
> > > cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine could
> have
> > > paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra
> weight
> > > and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems.
Manual
> > > augers always start.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "SC" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Hi everyone.
> > > >
> > > > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to
> measure
> > > the
> > > > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have
> > bought
> > > a
> > > > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and
hack
> a
> > > hole
> > > > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks a lot in advance.
> > > >
> > > > ARB
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>

[Marc]

Good if the water is about 3-4 feet deep.Still wear a PFD though
"Dre" > wrote in message
...
> Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice breaks
and
> your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the bottom.
>
> Dre
>
> "Marc" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > Well be careful & wear your chest waders & PFD!
> > Glub! Glub!
> > LOL
> > "SC" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for
your
> > > interesting and detailed replies :-)
> > >
> > > It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to go
on
> > > 16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know
how
> I
> > > get on.
> > >
> > > Thanks again
> > >
> > > ARB
> > >
> > > "smiles" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a
> > hole.
> > > > 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take
a
> > > > couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the
> > blade
> > > > of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my
> > > liking.
> > > > If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out
of
> a
> > > > long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the
> end.
> > > You
> > > > sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will
> cost
> > > you
> > > > about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width
of
> > the
> > > > cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to
go
> > ice
> > > > fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice
auger
> > is
> > > > the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes
will
> > cost
> > > > about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting
> > > knocked
> > > > about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are
> sharpened.
> > > > They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will
go
> > > > through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters
> must
> > > be
> > > > carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20
> > > bucks.
> > > > I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and
> they
> > > get
> > > > sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch
> diameter
> > > > augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you
> > fish
> > > in
> > > > an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather
> > large
> > > > fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the
> > holes
> > > > have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25
weather,
> a
> > 6
> > > > inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice
> is
> > a
> > > > bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice
> > fishing,
> > > > most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost
about
> > 350
> > > > dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can
offer
> > to
> > > > cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine
could
> > have
> > > > paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra
> > weight
> > > > and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems.
> Manual
> > > > augers always start.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "SC" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > Hi everyone.
> > > > >
> > > > > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to
> > measure
> > > > the
> > > > > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I
have
> > > bought
> > > > a
> > > > > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and
> hack
> > a
> > > > hole
> > > > > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks a lot in advance.
> > > > >
> > > > > ARB
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[John A Vance]

Ice doesn't necessarily get thicker as you go out - and in fact - often
gets thinner, especially in large lakes. Small shallow lakes can be
dangerous, my friend - beware - because of incoming artesian springs. An
ax will work, just don't whack too hard - and don't go out too far -
testing every couple of feet as you go. Good ice is black - as it has
little air in it. Where is your lake?
My name is John A. Vance - and I've just published a book called 'Ice
Fishing Basics' that deals with ice thickness and various methods of
cutting holes - but if you have any specific questions - I'd be glad to
help ( yes, for free). Just e-mail me at and I'll
give you any info/knowledge I can!
best of luck - John

SC wrote:
> Hi everyone.
>
> On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to measure the
> ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I have bought a
> house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and hack a hole
> with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
>
> Thanks a lot in advance.
>
> ARB
>
>

[Steve Ward]

NEVER EVER use chest waders for ice fishing. If the ice broke you would
drown
Steve
"Dre" > wrote in message
...
> Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice breaks
and
> your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the bottom.
>
> Dre
>
> "Marc" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > Well be careful & wear your chest waders & PFD!
> > Glub! Glub!
> > LOL
> > "SC" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for
your
> > > interesting and detailed replies :-)
> > >
> > > It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to go
on
> > > 16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know
how
> I
> > > get on.
> > >
> > > Thanks again
> > >
> > > ARB
> > >
> > > "smiles" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting a
> > hole.
> > > > 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will take
a
> > > > couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink the
> > blade
> > > > of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for my
> > > liking.
> > > > If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter out
of
> a
> > > > long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the
> end.
> > > You
> > > > sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will
> cost
> > > you
> > > > about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The width
of
> > the
> > > > cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going to
go
> > ice
> > > > fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice
auger
> > is
> > > > the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes
will
> > cost
> > > > about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or getting
> > > knocked
> > > > about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are
> sharpened.
> > > > They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger will
go
> > > > through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the cutters
> must
> > > be
> > > > carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about 20
> > > bucks.
> > > > I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and
> they
> > > get
> > > > sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch
> diameter
> > > > augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if you
> > fish
> > > in
> > > > an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A rather
> > large
> > > > fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold, the
> > holes
> > > > have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25
weather,
> a
> > 6
> > > > inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through ice
> is
> > a
> > > > bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice
> > fishing,
> > > > most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost
about
> > 350
> > > > dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can
offer
> > to
> > > > cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine
could
> > have
> > > > paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra
> > weight
> > > > and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems.
> Manual
> > > > augers always start.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "SC" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > Hi everyone.
> > > > >
> > > > > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to
> > measure
> > > > the
> > > > > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I
have
> > > bought
> > > > a
> > > > > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and
> hack
> > a
> > > > hole
> > > > > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks a lot in advance.
> > > > >
> > > > > ARB
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[PB]

Well wear a pfd anyways!
"Steve Ward" > wrote in message
news:DJHLb.38809$ts4.35865@pd7tw3no...
> NEVER EVER use chest waders for ice fishing. If the ice broke you would
> drown
> Steve
> "Dre" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice breaks
> and
> > your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the
bottom.
> >
> > Dre
> >
> > "Marc" > wrote in message
> > .. .
> > > Well be careful & wear your chest waders & PFD!
> > > Glub! Glub!
> > > LOL
> > > "SC" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Well, I never realised there was so much to it. Thank you both for
> your
> > > > interesting and detailed replies :-)
> > > >
> > > > It will be my first time ice fishing at my cottage and I intend to
go
> on
> > > > 16th February in Nova Scotia. I will post the group to let you know
> how
> > I
> > > > get on.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks again
> > > >
> > > > ARB
> > > >
> > > > "smiles" > wrote in message
> > > > ...
> > > > > The only effective method of measuring ice thickness is by cutting
a
> > > hole.
> > > > > 4 inches of solid ice is ample for someone to walk on. It will
take
> a
> > > > > couple of good whacks with an axe to cut through. If I can sink
the
> > > blade
> > > > > of my axe through the ice with one whack, it's a bit too thin for
my
> > > > liking.
> > > > > If you plan to do the occasional fishing, you can make a cutter
out
> of
> > a
> > > > > long pole of metal and you can weld a square piece of metal to the
> > end.
> > > > You
> > > > > sharpen the square piece and hack a hole through the ice. It will
> > cost
> > > > you
> > > > > about 20 to 25 bucks to have one made at a welding shop. The
width
> of
> > > the
> > > > > cutter should be about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. If you are going
to
> go
> > > ice
> > > > > fishing more often and if the ice gets over 1 foot thick, an ice
> auger
> > > is
> > > > > the way to go. A manual ice auger to make 8 inch diameter holes
> will
> > > cost
> > > > > about 60 bucks. The cutters are very fragile. Any sand, or
getting
> > > > knocked
> > > > > about will prevent any further cutting until the cutters are
> > sharpened.
> > > > > They should be as sharp as razors. When very sharp, the auger
will
> go
> > > > > through the ice very quickly and easily. Occasionally, the
cutters
> > must
> > > > be
> > > > > carefully honed otherwise you will have to buy new ones for about
20
> > > > bucks.
> > > > > I carefully hone mine (keep the original angle of cut perfect) and
> > they
> > > > get
> > > > > sharp enough to shave the hair on my forearm. There are 6 inch
> > diameter
> > > > > augers and they are a tad less expensive. They are also fine if
you
> > > fish
> > > > in
> > > > > an area that is not really cold and the fish are not big. A
rather
> > > large
> > > > > fish can go through a 6 inch hole but when it gets really cold,
the
> > > holes
> > > > > have a tendency to freeze up and get smaller. In -15 to -25
> weather,
> > a
> > > 6
> > > > > inch hole really freezes up fast. But....cutting a hole through
ice
> > is
> > > a
> > > > > bit easier with a 6 inch auger. Some people who do a lot of ice
> > > fishing,
> > > > > most guides, all outfitters, use gas operated augers. They cost
> about
> > > 350
> > > > > dollars. When using one where there are many fishermen, you can
> offer
> > > to
> > > > > cut holes for a small fee. By the end of 2 years, your machine
> could
> > > have
> > > > > paid for itself. But, you will have to haul smelly gas, the extra
> > > weight
> > > > > and if the auger is not maintained, it could give you problems.
> > Manual
> > > > > augers always start.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "SC" > wrote in message
> > > > > ...
> > > > > > Hi everyone.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > On the subject of ice fishing, can anyone tell me a cheap way to
> > > measure
> > > > > the
> > > > > > ice thickness without buying one of those ice drill things? I
> have
> > > > bought
> > > > > a
> > > > > > house by quite a shallow lake, so could I carefully step out and
> > hack
> > > a
> > > > > hole
> > > > > > with an axe and does the ice get thicker the further out you go?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks a lot in advance.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > ARB
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[smiles]

Actually....chest waders full of water and chest waders not full of water
weigh the same in the water. You will not sink to the bottom any faster if
the waders are full of water. What will help is the amount of air trapped
inside the waders so it stands to reason that if the waders are full of
water there will be no trapped air inside the waders. A good solid belt to
hold the air inside the waders will help to float a fisherman. Too much air
and I would guess that the fisherman could float "head down" in the water
but a personal floatation device would help to keep the fisherman's head out
of the water. With trapped air in the waders and a PFD, a floating
fisherman could even become a good device to sit on and fish from.
> "Dre" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice breaks
> and
> > your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the
bottom.
> >
> > Dre

[Dark Knight]

That's cold Smiles...real cold...

DK

"smiles" > wrote in message
. ..
> Actually....chest waders full of water and chest waders not full of water
> weigh the same in the water. You will not sink to the bottom any faster
if
> the waders are full of water. What will help is the amount of air trapped
> inside the waders so it stands to reason that if the waders are full of
> water there will be no trapped air inside the waders. A good solid belt
to
> hold the air inside the waders will help to float a fisherman. Too much
air
> and I would guess that the fisherman could float "head down" in the water
> but a personal floatation device would help to keep the fisherman's head
out
> of the water. With trapped air in the waders and a PFD, a floating
> fisherman could even become a good device to sit on and fish from.
> > "Dre" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice
breaks
> > and
> > > your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the
> bottom.
> > >
> > > Dre
>
>

[Mike Schmidt]

They may not weigh more IN the water but try to get OUT of the water with
waders full of water!! It's not drowning that you need to worry about, as
much as hypothermia. You need to get out of the water as fast as possible,
then get warm and dry ASAP. Every bit of saftey advice I've seen, says
never wear waders or hip boots when ice fishing. You want clothes as light
as possible (while still heavy enough to stay warm).

--
Schmidty
"Dark Knight" > wrote in message
...
> That's cold Smiles...real cold...
>
> DK
>
> "smiles" > wrote in message
> . ..
> > Actually....chest waders full of water and chest waders not full of
water
> > weigh the same in the water. You will not sink to the bottom any faster
> if
> > the waders are full of water. What will help is the amount of air
trapped
> > inside the waders so it stands to reason that if the waders are full of
> > water there will be no trapped air inside the waders. A good solid belt
> to
> > hold the air inside the waders will help to float a fisherman. Too much
> air
> > and I would guess that the fisherman could float "head down" in the
water
> > but a personal floatation device would help to keep the fisherman's head
> out
> > of the water. With trapped air in the waders and a PFD, a floating
> > fisherman could even become a good device to sit on and fish from.
> > > "Dre" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Chest waders?? Isn't that the worst thing you can do? If the ice
> breaks
> > > and
> > > > your chest waders fill up with water then you'll sink right to the
> > bottom.
> > > >
> > > > Dre
> >
> >
>
>