Another place to get snowshoes is from universities. USU and WSU both have outdoor rec programs and every summer they sell a bunch of stuff: backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, skis, etc. I bought a pair of Tubbs snowshoes two years ago and paid like 20 bucks for them. I’ve never used them on the ice, but they should work just fine.
Nica,
I think you may have not understood my post. Or possibly, I didn’t explain it very well; which is probably the case.
I think venturing out on 2-3" of ice is not very smart and something I will not do. I say common sense and practical safety can go along way.
I started ice-fishing when Utah fishing went to a year round season. Maybe the post should be “why go ice fishing on thin ice” . To me, 4" of new ice is very safe.
Great topic, regardless whether our opinions differ or not!
Our opinions don’t differ. I’m just a newby, and you are right, the thread really should be titled as you suggest.
I will tell you what, if you are interested in “understanding” this addiction, come on up this way (Rich County) and I will take you to some good spots and you will see why I am “addicted” to it.
I have done about every kind of fishing there is and ice-fishing is the best there is!!
I will ‘second’ that!
Bring on the Ice!!!
Sounds good, although I’ll take a rain check. Got a lot of stuff going on till after first of the year. Where is Rich county?
NE corner of the state, Bear Lake area
I am very sorry for your loss.
I think what I like about Ice fishing is the people. Ice fishing is much more social than other types. There is no casting over anyones line, no boat to launch or control, small fish matter in ice fishing, IT GETS ME OUT OF THE INVERSIONS, my son and dog love to be out playing, and I still love fresh fish even in the winter.
As for safety, never go on ice alone. Always carry a good length of rope, 4" is good, 6" is better, watch the edges, enter and exit where everybody else has.
Well, it was actually PerchPile who lost his sons, and like I said, that’s the one thing that I hope I never have to go through. You kind of expect that your parents will pass before you do, maybe even your spouse, but I really can’t imagine losing a child, so my heart goes out to him along with yours.
Funny you mention the social aspect of ice fishing, I was talking to a buddy last night and it seemed to me that half the fun is sitting in an ice shack just having a good time while you wait for the fish to bite. My wife’s family owns a cabin right off of the lake at scofield, should have been taking advantage of it all these years I guess. It’s a few miles past the turn off to the scout camp. We always go during the summer, but never in winter. I’ll have to start going up there more often.