A few simple tips for staying safe when going ice fishing

I hope that I didn't jinx our weather because I wrote about ice fishing last week. Not my fault! Winter weather is coming whether or not I write about it. Overnight lows have reached temps that caused skim ice to form on local lakes and ponds.

How thick does ice have to be before it is considered safe to walk on? If you search enough, you'll find "experts" who will tell you that two inches of ice is enough to support an adult. Ignore those "experts." Four inches is the absolute minimum thickness for me to even consider walking out on. I am not going to risk drowning for the privilege of ice fishing too early. Wait until the ice is safe enough for fishing.

The best investment a prospective ice fisherman can make is to buy a pair of ice fishing cleats, also known as "creepers." These gadgets have metal or hard plastic nubs or spikes that are attached to rubber straps. The cleats get stretched and tightly attached to the bottoms of your shoes or boots. It's hard to slip and fall with a pair of cleats attached to your boots.

Falling through the ice may be the worst thing that can happen to an ice angler, but slipping and falling on the ice comes in second place. I broke my leg 10 years ago (not an ice fishing accident) and it was horrible being housebound in a huge cast for nine weeks.

You can pick up a pair of ice cleats almost anywhere. You need not make a trip to the fishing big box store. I've seen cleats on the shelves at Kohl's and Target for less than $20. That's a small price to pay for not slipping and falling.

It will cost more, but purchasing a spud bar is a great investment for ice fishing safety. A spud bar is a long rod that has a heavy weight affixed to the end. You use the spud bar to check the ice quality as you walk toward your prospective fishing spot. You hold the spud bar on the end and bang it down on the ice in front of you. If the ice doesn't break, you can keep moving forward. If the ice breaks, stop and back away slowly.

It's important to carry a piece of rope with two spikes attached to the ends. This will save your life if you fall through the ice. You stick the spikes into the ice and use the rope to pull yourself up out of the water and back on the icy surface.

Now, please don't laugh, but a life jacket is great for ice safety in case of an accident. I know it's hard to imagine wearing a bulky life jacket with all the clothes you're wearing to ice fish. Life jackets that are light and thin and inflate when you pull the ripcord are ideal. I definitely recommend one.

The best thing you can have with you on an ice fishing excursion is a friend, preferably one who has a power ice auger. Ice drills come in gas models and electric. Both generate enough power to last a whole day.

Even if your friend doesn't have a power auger, you still need a friend. The best tip I can offer you is to never go ice fishing alone. Ice fishing is not a solo sport. There are too many dangers that could happen to you if you don't have a helper. Please always ice fish with a partner.

• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.