But First, Test Your Fish Sense:

An ice claw A) helps you grab ice, B) can be very sharp, C) should be carried around your neck, D) can be easily made, E) could save your life, F) all mentioned.

Since my next article will revolves around a home made device that can save your life, I'm going to give you the answer now. Ice claws do all of the above.

So why waste your time making something you'll never use?

Last year several people where fishing the pressure ridges that form on Sebago Lake in Maine. One happened to have ice claws with him, the other did not. Pressure ridges are formed by large sheets of lake ice pushing against each other. The ridges are sometimes up to six feet high and hard to transverse.

Some people believe the ice fishing is better along these ridges and target them with tip ups and jig poles. The problem is that this area is very unstable.

The two fishermen where exploring the ridge when one fell through a large hole that had been covered with wind swept snow. Fortunately, he popped up in the hole and his fishing partner noticed the mishap and ran to his aid. The ice claws where instrumental in getting his partner to safety.

The claws can be purchased, or easily made. Its popular two wear them over your shoulders and around your neck like a scarf. I don’t make a full circle around my neck fearing strangulation. Instead, I secure mine through a loop on the back of my collar. If I should fall through the ice, they can’t be knocked free.

In my next post, I’ll show you how to make a pair of ice claws with material that you may have right under your nose.

E-mail this entry to a friend