Outdoors Angle: Early Ice Fishing Essentials

The Flag Outdoors Expert Steve Carney has your weekly Outdoors Angle right here!

     As we begin the early ice fishing season, I have a list of what I call "Ice Fishing Essentials" which are some critical things needed for success and safety on the ice. Here is a primer on what's necessary and needed.

1.)  GPS Unit

     I install my GPS on my ATV and snowmobile with a gimbal mount. This is the same unit I use on my boat. This is a critical component for safety as its the trail feature that I use to get back to the access on the same track that I went out. Wandering off your initial trail can be dangerous especially after dark or if you are dealing with fog. Always follow the trail back for obvious safety reasons.

2.)  Hyfax-Runners

     These are plastic strips that bolt to the bottom of your portable shack. These extend the life of your portable especially on jagged ice or gravel roads. They are a pain to install but will extend the life of your roto-molded portables.

3.)  Ice Cleats

     I wear ice cleats all season. It's easy to fall and break a hip or elbow during snowless, first ice. Stay away from the budget cleats and go for the top-of-the-line stuff in the 80.00 price range. These more expensive cleats will hold up for years and the stainless steel teeth are the best for gripping on ice.

Steve Carney is The Flag WZFG Outdoors expert. He can be heard every Thursday morning at 8:05 on AM 1100 and 92.3 FM WZFG. Check out his weekly podcast on am1100theflag.com and hear his Outdoors Angle reports every Friday on AM 1100 and 92.3 FM WZFG. You can also visit stevecarneyoutdoors.com for more information.