Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help How thick is safe ice?

When you live on the southern fringe of the ice belt like I do, you have to get creative. My goal is to catch fish out of our ponds twelve months out of the year, and it's very doable if you're willing to put in the effort.

I don't subscribe to the philosophy of "fishing's over for this year"
Those fish are still down there, and they can still be caught provided the angler is savvy, adaptable, and stubborn. A little luck never hurts either.

One thing for sure, I have never caught fish during the winter period by sitting in my recliner, wishing for an early spring.

I have to agree with sprkplug.Finding good ice in Southern Indiana can be tough. I remember riding bikes on frozen ponds as a kid and breaking through shallow icy creeks the same day.Walking with your boots full of ice water back to the house to dry our socks out on the wood stove,and then go right back outside.
I am part of an ice water rescue team and our trainers have told us to tell the public that ice around here is not safe period! I still have went on clear ice at 4" and it was fine.I have also broke through a couple of times during training sessions.We were tethered to a safety rope and in ice suits.
I believe taking a boat out and or tying off and carrying ice picks also is a good idea! Luckily the majority of our rescues have been for dogs fallen through thin ice.