Right Scott!
I had drilled a hole the day before and the ice was 4-5 inches think. I figured it had to be thicker because the weather was really cold.
Nope. Maybe 2" Scott? I was only a month or so post shoulder surgery at the time. I would have been in big trouble!
I have no idea why the ice actually got thinner. My pond has never gotten ice as thick as surrounding ponds or lakes in the 3 winters it has seen. I always have open water 1 - 2 weeks earlier than other surrounding ponds. I know there are some slow springs that feed the pond. I have water constantly exiting the overflow from fall until early summer.
I now drill a few test holes in shallow water before I venture out over deeper water. Don't take any chances. If you have any doubts, back away and live to fish another day. Hey, that rhymes.
Taking a bath in water that cold is a major shock to the system.
Right Scott????
