Another thing to consider is quality of ice. First ice, or new ice, is significantly stronger than ice which has thawed, refroze, thawed, etc and developed honeycomb weak spots. Springs are very important to learn to locate on your BOW, as they are always to be avoided.

I fished on just under 2" of first/new ice just yesterday. It was a new personal best on the idiocy meter. I would not have even considered it had I known the thickness, or lack thereof. If you have a buddy, rope and some experience falling through and getting out [like me] you can stand to take more chances on thin ice. Best bet - look for 3" and up on first ice. 4" and up on old ice. If you are fishing solo - never risk anything unless you know the pond well [spring location, currents, etc], always have ice safety picks, and I wouldn't fish on anything less than 4". Just my take.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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