Gearing up for the ice.
By JP DeRose

For years I lived and breathed everything ice fishing and it truly became a passion of mine. The sound of the hard ice being carved by the auger, the feel of the crisp air entering your lungs and even the sound of your feet crunching the snow as you walk out to your first spot. All of these things made me look forward to the experiences that came with being out on the ice but the real enjoyment came from catching fish... and being comfortable!

Suiting up... Dressing in layers is a must and understanding that certain materials work better than others will keep you comfortable and out of harms way when on the ice. Proper under layers should be moisture wicking and insulating layers made of Polypropylene.... some of the best I have used are Redhead from Bass Pro Shops and Helly Hansen under garments which include long underwear and long sleeve shirts and last but not least socks. The reason these work so well is that they keep the moisture away from your body, wet skin is the main reason cold sets in. Cotton is the worst thing you can wear so keep those sweat socks at home where they belong.

Your next layer should consist of another insulting layer and one of my favorites is fleece. It's light weight and very breathable and when used with a shell to stop the wind will work wonders all day long. That brings me to my next point... fleece is great but when it's windy, the cold will rip right through you... always top your fleece layer with a wind shell or wind breaker of some sort. This can also include your survival suit which will act as your wind break. One piece survival suits offer the best protection and will retain the most body heat keeping you warm even when sitting still waiting for the fish and they are also the best life insurance you can buy when out on the lake. Another choice is wool which acts as a great insulator when placed over Polypropylene as well.

Boot selection is an area that shouldn't be over looked since you will be relatively stationary during your day unless you are constantly looking for fish. Getting a good pair of boots to go with the Polypropylene socks will usually include finding a water resistant pair that has multi layered inserts made from felt, Thinsulate and often times a foil like outer layer that helps keep your body heat from escaping. Buy the highest rated boots you can afford and they will last you a lifetime. Happy feet make for a happy fisherman!

Other things that can make your day on the lake will include good gloves, balaclava masks, ski goggles and hats. Each of these are important and just like the boots, they protect the things that get cold the quickest... your extremities... feet, hands and your head. In my experience, Mittens are the best gloves to keep your hands toasty warm and on the really bitter days, inside the mittens I would wear a pair of archery gloves which are thin and light enough to even tie hooks with. This thin layer will allow you to do the finer motor skills required like fighting fish or retying yet keep the wind from stripping the moisture out of your skin. When selecting your mittens, get a pair that are one size larger so you can still wear a thin pair of fingered gloves and slip them on easily. Gloves that have Thinsulate in them make great choices but also make sure they can resist water so they don't soak your hands.

Hats that have Thinsulate and a wind breaking material will help trap heat trying to escape and when coupled with a balaclava will ensure your nose ears and cheeks avoid frost bite!

Tell tale signs that things are going downhill in a hurry are uncontrollable shivers, numb fingers, blue lips and chattering teeth, always be aware of everyone in your group and make sure everyone is comfortable... Hypothermia can set in quickly and occurs when the bodies core drops 2 degrees or more and it is subdivided into four different degrees, mild around 32–35 °C (90–95 °F); moderate, 28–32 °C (82–90 °F); severe, 20–28 °C (68–82 °F); and profound at less than 20 °C (68 °F). Another thing to realize is that Alcohol consumption prior to or during cold exposure may increase your risk of becoming hypothermic. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to the body's extremities, thereby increasing heat loss.

Far too many times in my life I have brought people out on the ice and watched in amazement as their facial expressions turn from enthusiastic to uncomfortable when the cold sets in... set yourself up right and dress in layers and you'll be the one laughing at everyone else while your catching the fish, not the shivers! Informing your fishing buddies will let you stay out there longer! 

Tight lines and long weekends
JP DeRose