Driving on the ice!!!

[chad 1]

Ok you do not have to post a reply but please vote.
Reason I am posting this is because in other treads I have noticed people calling other people who drive on the ice stupid, idiots, ect. I just want a poll to see how many people that may be hurt by those comments.

My vote is yes and yes I carry full coverage that does cover on the ice. But I only go on lake I know.

thanks chad1

[Mike]

I've done it once. There's was about 2' of ice. But, I was worried about the truck the entire time I was out, hard to enjoy the day. I'd rather just walk.

Mike

[ESOX]

I take a sled or quad. Won't ever take a vehicle out there.

[deepwoods]

I have before. Years ago. The ice must be thick and there must already be a larger number of vehicle out there. Don't want to be the guinea pig. (sp?)

[jigworm]

Used to all the time back in Minnesota, but there was close to 3' of ice. Wouldn't think of doing it here.

[stelmon]

Hey Chad,
I was talking about that a few weeks ago and I heard even if you had full coverage you still couldn't get the money. I don't know...

Personally, I would never take a vehicle on the ice. It's to much of a rish for me I guess.

[riverboy]

I did on Hougton lake 4 or 5 years ago. The middle grounds looked like a used car lot though!!!! Not sure if I would do it anymore now that Im older, and I think a little more before I do. But not much more!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

[chad 1]

Ask your insurance agent and he will tell you if you are or are not stelmon.

chad1

[krt]

I voted yes, but I don't do nearly as often as I used to when I was younger. Have yet to do it this year.

[Steve J]

I don't do it and I kind of wish it were made illegal (unless your handicapped and that's the only way you could get to fish). The reason I say this is because I was out on a lake on the east side of Montcalm county and folks kept driving right by our shanty. The ice was 12+ inches thick but the noise was incredible and had to be making the fish spooky. Also, if a vehicle does break through there are environmental issues that will hurt the lake. I would just prefer it not be done (unless your handicapped) but that's just my 2 cents.

[chad 1]

If they made that illegal then what about 4 wheelers snow machines ect. They all make noise and all go through the ice if not carefull. What we need stevej is guys with a little more respect for others fishing and try to keep a distance.

chad1

[Gillslayer]

I only do it when the ice gets very thick.
Last weekend was the first time I drove out this year.
Sat on Black, Sun on Burt (maple bay)
There was at least 16" on each lake.
As far as being offended by others comments, I'm not.
Everybody has their own opinion, and driving on ice is a personal choice.

[statebull]

In da U.P. where I just moved from you would get three to four feet of ice - you could drive a tractor/trailer onto it safely. Guess it just depends on your on comfort level and what you grew up with. I like a foot of ice before driving a vehicle on it (along with sub zero temperatures - always MAKIN' ice that way)./:eek:

[perchhead]

i do it all the time on houghton i drive on crystal lake in montcalm county to. the weight on the ice i dont worry about when you have 20-24 inches. i seen a plane land on a lake. but i walk on when ever i can i love the exersise. speaking of houghton i was there 1-30 and got 15 specks and one nice walleye about 22 incher that is two i got that size in the last week.

[chad 1]

Welcome to the site statebull, good to have you here .

chad1

[Iceman1]

Never have never will. Yea may save time, by the risk is to costly. I fish at least 4-5 times a week, I use it for exercise, at least thats what I tell the wife. Driving on ice is like drinking and driving, simply put. STUPID. Hope this doesnt offend anyone, just an opinon.

[riverboy]

you guys ever see that documentary on Discovery channel I think it was called ice roads. Up in Canada they create roads on the frozen lakes for the semi trucks to deliver supplies to the very outback regions. Alot of heavy equipment is delivered to places were a float plane could not carry that much weight. It was pretty cool show. Yes there are lives lost. It is dangerous work!!!

[Dave Simmons]

Nope. I walk out to the shack. Just having a truck drive by when I'm in the shack (sound of the ice flexing) gives me the willies. To each their own....it's a big lake.

[fmontie]

Yes, only when the ice is at least 2' thick and little snow. Drove on Saginaw Bay and Houghton Lake numerous times in past years. Cars and trucks make a lot less noise then snowmoblies and motorcycles. We haven't had a winter cold enough in the last 10 years for me to drive on the ice. The people to worry about are the snowmobilers who go 70 miles an hour at night and anybody who lacks common sense anytime on the ice. Use your heads!!!!!!!

[AutoModGod]

I have never done it.

I have heard that if you car goes in your insurance won't cover it and it is a $1000/day fine from the state starting 24-hours after the car goes in the drink.

As far as banning "sleds and 4 wheelers" along with cars from the ice .... well it would be nice to be able to go out on the ice and not have a noise maker buzzing all around ....

[YPSIFLY]

I'm too much of a chicken to drive on the ice. It just doesn't seem natural to me.

Riverboy,

I saw that program. Scary stuff. They have to slow WAY down once they start to approach the shoreline or pressure from the moving truck will create a wave under the ice that willblow out once it hits shallow water. Then the guy has only seconds to bail before the rig goes under.:eek:

[Matt3ddsteel]

As soon as your car hits the ice.. it has no insurance on it anymore.. the same with quads and snowmobiles.

[bigberniegb]

In my mind I would have to know the lake and the latest average temperatures.If the lake has 10 inches of ice consistently across the deepest section of the lake . I might dirve a light weight truck.I think the heavier the vehicle the more risk you are at. Pressure cracks weaken the surface of the ice. I remember several years ago at Tip-up Town Houghton Lake a Chevrolet Suburban broke through and people riding snomobiles were using the roof of the Suburban for a launch .

[William H Bonney]

I hope we don't go through this "insurance" thing again, although a quick recap for new members is ok, I suppose.

I thought there was no way in HELL you would be covered by any insurance company, if your vehicle went through.

But once again, I was DEAD wrong! Its not the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last.

I have 2 different friends that own insurance companies that say you ARE covered.
I have also called at least 5 other companies that say the same thing.
I think there was a thread about this before with some personal testimonies, that will collaborate this.

As far as myself driving on the ice, I did it at Metro Beach last year,just to dump my stuff off then drove back. And on Walled lake a few years back, we actually fished out the windows of my truck.
This past Monday out at SANG there was a few guys driving all over and you could feel the truck coming from 500 yards away.
that was pretty scary.

[TheFlyfisher]

No I would never drive out on the ice. Many moons ago in 1959 my dad had a 1954 Ford and we were out by Selfridge at the end of M-59. My dad decided to go in to get a drink what use to be called the "Jet Bar". He was comming back out and all of a sudden he went thru. He was lucky because he had the window down and as it was going in he jumped out, the unlucky part was he payed a pretty penny to get it out, plus go home and tell my mom. No Thanks.
Mike

[Steve J]

Chad,
I agree with needing folks to show more respect however, once you allow them (cars, trucks, quads, snowmobiles etc) on the ice you have opened pandora's box. There will always be those few disrespectful ones who ruin it for everyone. Kind of like trying to fish around all the waverunners on the lakes in the summer. It's become an absolute joke to try to fish unless you go to a lake with restricted high speed hours.
I still wish anything motor driven could be prohibited from going on the ice unless you have handicap status. I enjoy the outdoors and the exercise from walking on the ice and I value the fragile environment the lakes provide us with. I know my feelings are probably not shared by everyone but you did ask how we felt, right?

[William H Bonney]

Yeah, I'm all for that exercise thing,,,,,,,

until I find a job & have enough money to buy a 4 wheeler.


I'm doin pretty good so far this year, I can make it almost all the way out to my spot with out stopping for a smoke break!

[tony_1]

LOL William,

Not all owners/users of four wheelers/snow mobiles are bad. I use a four wheeler and know alot of guys that use them also. We are usually the pack of machines that are left on the ice "unattended" while were running, searching for the fish. I actually like them running around, sometimes it gets the fish moving. That said I don't want one to come two feet from my shanty either. Personally I think power augers and spud bars make more noise than a snow mobile or four wheeler.

[higherpowered]

Actually, it is my understanding that power augers are almost as quiet under the ice (and therefore to the fish) as a hand-powered unit. Spuds on the other hand make quite a racket.

[sfw1960]

:eek: "NO!!!" :eek:
.
.
.
.
.
.
Can you hear me now????



http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=242433#post242433

[Lost_Peninsula]

With the luck I have ice fishing, driving on the ice would be suicide....., not against it, will take a taxi, just not willing to risk my own.

[The Whale]

YES !!!

Conditional, that's all.

Whale :D

[east bay ed]

anyone afraid to drive on the ice is a chicken and needs to put their skirt back on.
not really.
i don't know that there are many lakes down state that i would drive my truck on. but up here it is common to see trucks,vans abd even campers on the ice once we get 2'+ of ice. that said many are locals and we know where to go and where not to go.

as far a pollution goes you don't get any more pollution out of a car when it goes under then you do in the summer when guys bring out their dads 1952 5hp outboard that leaks gear lub and oil and gas into the water.

do what makes you feel comfortable!!

as far as the driving up on people while they are in their shanties or fishing on the ice that's just common curtisy(sp?).

go out how ever you want catch some tasty fish and feed them to your friend and family and have a good time.

[rbockatsaginaw]

I have driven on lsc 2 times this year. Won't be the frist out there. I checked with my insurince guy and he siad i was all set with full coverage on my truck on the ice. But they will not pay the fines. Also what is the dif from a truck or a boat on a lake. Both are gas powered and most boat mumfers are under water.

[MSUICEMAN]

nope, i wont.... i saw that documentary on the discovery channel, and it was on Great Slave lake in the northwest territories (at least the part I saw). I"m just too much of a wuss to, at least for right now, cuz i don't have the money to take a hit like that, not to mention i don't have a 4WD truck either. If the ice is over 2' and i knew the lake and i had a 4WD truck, i might give it a whirl though..... knowing the lake is crucial, too many factors in an unknown lake to screw up the ice.

Steve

[buckslayermichigan]

hey river boy that was a cool show and them fools get some ching!! worth dying over no. well how much was that again? hey steve j on the handicap issue ive seen this abused to many times by people that are in better shape than i am. great idea and i wished it would work but it will never happen p.m me. about driving on the ice done it been there scared , hell yes roll them windows down .... peace buckslayermichigan

[QuakrTrakr]

I do, but very cautiously. I wait till there is 18" or more. This year is pretty good for ice on the inland lake. ;)

[boltaction]

When I lived on a lake in the early 90's I used to drive on it all the time. Then one day I came home from work and there was a truck that broke through and up to the cab in water. Thing is, is that I drove over that same spot several times before, with my oldest son with me. After that my mind was made up, walk or ride the sled.

[Eastern Yooper]

I have done so hundreds of times over the years.

We do not need any more restrictive laws when it comes to hunting and fishing. None whatsoever. This falls under the same catagory as seat belts, helmets, and hunter orange: Common-sense cannot be legislated.

As far as pollution, contamination, damaging the ecosystem etc. when a vehicle goes thru: As usual, its the little guys that get screwed. 3 or 4 years ago, here on the St. Mary's River one of the lake freighters had a small accident and spilled over 5,000 gallonns of diesel fuel into the river. The US Coast Guard conducted an investigation and yet no fine was ever levied against the company or any individual.

Here's the kicker: There was absolutely no clean-up done whatsoever. None. Zip. Nada. The DNR and Coast Guard issued a statement how "nature has a wonderful way of naturally cleansing itself" and that the fuel would simply "evaporate" away.

Yeah right.

Yet some guy puts a quad thru the ice, 2 gallons of gasoline leak out, and he gets the schitte fined out of him.

Does that seem right?

[walleyeman]

I have fished on the St. Mary's for over twenty years and have dove on the ice many times. Do I do it now? NO! I have found that it is impossible to know all the conditions all the time.
Even with 2' feet of ice, points with current on them, shallow humps that are close to the surface, and pressure cracks all become unsafe.
I have seen many vehicles go through and seen what they had to do to get them out and it is just not worth the risk.
I will probibly drive out again some day, but for now I will use snowmobile. They are alot better suited for ice fishing transportation.

[Ruler]

I've seen people driving on 7" of ice on the bay. As some of you may know, I've really pushed the limits of thin ice when walking in water I know, but never have taken my car on the ice. Part of the reason is that it's not a truck and I'd need something like a boat launch to get on. Another part of the reason is that I'm a chicken-s**t when it comes to driving on the ice. There are always unmarked spearing holes, pressure cracks, etc. My dad has told me of one time when he was driving back in and the crack was 6' wide- he had to drive a few miles down the shoreline before he found a spot that was closed up.

He also told me of a time when the ice blew out off AuGres and a skim of ice froze overnight, then an inch of snow fell. A dude my dad used to work with drove out and drove right off the edge into 6.5' of water!

I heard a story a few years back about a house that was moved across Traverse Bay on the ice instead of going around. One corner broke through, but they made it OK. (I don't think I'd *ever* trust it that much! :eek: )

My insurance guy tells me that if there are other cars out there and it's a common practice and something were to happen, I'd be covered. However, I'm not covered if I'm the first one out there, making the road.


The part about the state fining you and then not cleaning anything up for major dumpings sounds about par for the course. The fine doesn't have anything to do with the environment- it's to fatten pockets. The shipping people and factories that dump have the $$$ to avoid fines. (I don't sound bitter, do I?)

[Joe_G]

There's at least 100 cars a day during the week out on the ice here in Fairhaven, & on the weekends there's close to a thousand. This began when the ice reached 12 inches thick. One particular weekend afew years back, I was talking to a DNR guy at the boat launch who said there were 3 thousand cars out there that day. It's a fairly shallow, protected bay (Bouvier Bay)
that I've been driving on for years.....If you know the area, I don't see a problem with it........................

[RJF]

I'd like to see the wording on that policy. I work for an Insurance Company, and I don't see how that would work. Years ago, there was an exclusion for falling thru ice = no coverage. It was removed, from most policies. Please check your specific policy before trusting what your friends say. Companies use different policies. Coverage is very similar, as the law dictates most points, but you will find differences between companies. Be careful.

I think most companies have removed the exclusion. But be sure.

After what has opened up on Houghton Lake this year, I will not drive out again. Gonna buy an ATV - and be very cautious on that.

[krt]

I'm with you Yooper. That's all we need is "Mother" telling us more of what we can and can't do. That "book" is getting pretty thick.

[skinne]

i havent drove on the ice the past couple of years but use to due it before i had a quad.i drove by wixom lake today and seen tons of truck and about 10 brave souls parked about 100 yards from the opening to the dam for the tobacco river.

[zman]

Hey
Drove the F-250 out there on the ice in Canada and didnt have a better feeling in a while when I drove off the ice back on to the solid ground...Its all preference... So "drive on".





Zman

[Sailor]

When we had winter navigation on the Great Lakes
I used to break ice (with large tugs). Often 2' of
snow covered blue ice would suddenly turn into 2"
of snow covered ice. It all looked the same.
The Soo River,Lake St. Clare,Saginaw Bay,and all the "Drowned River Mouth" lakes in Western MI.
I.E. Muskegon,White,Manistee,Pentwater etc. all bear watching when snow covered.

[TrailFndr]

Last week I would have answered...HECK NO.... However...att eh Hubbard lake outing, I rode out with Ed on Saturday, using the paths taken by HUNDREDS of others, I got some nerve and drove my new truck out. Saturday and sunday, I think it needs to be a personal prefrence thing, and a common sense issue

[The Whale]

Some of the brave souls on Hubbard this weekend.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/538/1180Hub1.jpg
Had a great time even if the fish didn't cooperate too much. B.S. and the "Live Bullet Band" even put on a concert out on the ice for us !!!

Whale :D :cool:

[Shoeman]

Although I have done it in the past, I just lost the nerve required to drive on ice.

During our "normal" winters, back in the late 70's and most of the 80's, 14-18" of ice were common, but yet many still broke through. I remember tow trucks with several hundred feet of cable jerking trucks out from the safety of shore.

Snowcover, springs, cracks and the lack of uniformity in ice formation, make this a questionable venture.

I remember driving my brand new 78 Monte on Anchor bay. It was a cold day and I went inside the car to warm up. My trunk lid was open and my buddies decided to play a little prank on me. Two of them jumped in the trunk and I thought the car broke through. :eek:
I slammed it into gear and drove like the ground was on fire, only to look in the side mirror and see these guys rolling on the ice in laughter...lol

That was my last time for "ice-driving"
The week before, I was on Houghton Lake. I went out about 3/4 of a mile and spudded a hole. The spud revealed water just 5" down and I was scared to death. Actually, there was another 12" of ice beneath the water, but it goes to show how inconsistant ice really is.
With today's vehicle costs, I can't see it .

If you do drive out, bring a compass. Snow squalls may make you loose a sense of direction and instead of driving toward shore, you may be heading into "uncharted waters".

[chad 1]

I reconize that explorer whale:D :eek:

chad1

[DaveW731]

Haven't done it for years, given our recent winters. I might do so this year, if I am driving the "junker", know the lake, know that there is 16+" of ice, see other, heavier vehicles out in the area that I am going and I have some compelling reason why I don't need the exercise of walking.

[Fishfoote]

Last week I would have said no, but went up to Hubbard this past weekend and saw about 50 vehicles out there and thought, what the heck. Left the window open and never thought about it.

[Fishfoote]

Reading all these posts got me thinking - I called my agent and asked if I would be covered. For my comprehensive policy it would be considered "water damage" and would be covered, but not any related fines. Of course then I got the driving on ice lecture from my agent:D

[woodsman rick]

I have to agree with fishfoote & trailfndr, I've never driven on the ice before this weekend. The only reason I did this past weekend was because I discussed the where and wherenots with a local (east bay ED). I was still nervous driving out & back, heck yes I had the windows down.

We are going out on the Sag Bay this week & we'll be taking the wheelers for sure. There ain't no way I'll walk the 2 miles out & back, don't need that much exercise:D

[notmuchtime]

I did at Hubbard along with dozens of others. I'm definitely not gonna be the first one out there. Just like walking on the ice, you have to use your head when venturing out. I'm not offended by their opinions. I just wish they would think about what/how they state them before they post. I watched the Discovery Channel the other night when they showed the making of the Canadian ice freeway for the big semi's. They said they needed 40" of ice to handle 80,000 lb rigs. They make the freeway every year on frozen lakes in northern Canada. I figure if that's good enough for them, half that thickness is safe enough for my GMC Safari.

[notmuchtime]

Didn't see your post before I posted. Was that you following Ed on Sunday? I looked like you were stuck to his bumper:D LOL.
I hope your wife doesn't find out you took your baby out there. It sure was great meeting you, hope all is well. See you next time.
Kane

[kbkrause]

This is the first year I have since I was a kid. I drove out on LSC a few weeks ago at Fair Haven, and then I drove out this weekend at Hubbard Lake. At Fair Haven the Ice was over a foot, and at Hubbard it was closer to 18". I definitely wouldn't be the first but I think people should use common sence. Just as you wouldnt take a quad out on 2 inches...

[Fishfoote]

My wife was not at all happy to see my truck in the back ground of pictures I took at the lunch gathering on Hubbard:(

[Dunlap]

I don't drive on the ice because i have a company vehicle. They wouldn't like hearing about my truck at the bottom of lake St. Clair.

[QuakrTrakr]

We were at Hubbard also. We set up the "ICE PALACE". We drove truck, shanty, sleds, trailer and all out there! It's the best ice I've see up there in 6 or 7 years.;)

[sfw1960]

OK , so you guys open the windows when you go on the ice with a truck.....
Do you plug your noses too , just in case???
Show the fear brothers!!!
lmao....
I have been invited a few times this year.... I am 100% with Clay , if you want to -- go right ahead - it's your call , as for me?? Calling you st00piD is my call..... every day many people play poker with the devil , cheat and win.....
I am the type to hawk over your shoulder , and laFF my @$$ off when the devil calls your bluff , and you aren't holding a damn thing....
Life is INDEED waaaaaaaaaay tooo short , I agree SFK
If ya don't have the time to "DO the time" , don't try to bargain your way out when you "do the crime"......
"That's All...."

:D SFW :D

[Major Hamhocks]

I too was at the Hubbard Lake trip this weekend. I have never driven on the ice before this weekend. And even the first time out this weekend I wouldn't do it either. But then.....tragedy....one of my ATVs started stalling....and the battery went out in the other ATV....So whats an icefisherman to do when the hike is about 2 - 2 1/2 miles out. Finally asked a few people saw lots of big vehicles out there and said what the heck and took the 3/4 ton truck out there with a utility trailer loaded it with two quads, two hundred pounds in ice fishing gear, and four ice fisher people. Guess I got lucky this time. :rolleyes:

M.H.

P.S. nice meeting everyone on the trip

[chad 1]

It was nice to meet you on hubbard major hamhocks.
I would most have too agree with what SFK said in the last post!!! It is your choise!

thanks chad1

[Major Hamhocks]

Same to you chad. Had a great time. I assume that was your dad that you were with. Nice to meet him too!!!

M.H.

[Fishfoote]

I don't think of opening a window as cheating...it's more like hedging. If you go out on the ice at ALL you've accepted a risk. I believe it is true that ice can be a tricky thing. 4" to walk on, 12" for a quad, 18 to 24" for a car/truck - those are great if you're checking the ice every foot of the way, but I haven't seen anyone doing that. Life is short, winter is shorter and good ice leaves me wanting - last one to the hole is a rotten egg:D

[Magnet]

Nobody should be harping on you for having your window down. It is no different than.............
wearing your seatbelt when you drive down the road.
carrying life preservers and flares in your fishing boat.
wearing a helmut when snowmobiling or motorcycling.
etc., etc., etc.

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

[SPORTSMAN]

I do'nt drive on the ice with my windows open its waaayyy to cold. If you did take the big plunge, you would never escape youre vehical with all that water rushing in. Got to let the water equilize. By the way anyone have a % of people dying in their vehicals that went thru the ice. Usually when it happens the truck or car is hung up on the ice before it goes down. Not unless you wonder near a river mouth and the ice is thin. USE YOURE COMMON SENSE.

[Steely-Head]

No

[east bay ed]

if you don't want to drive out on the ice, fine. if you do, use caution and be careful. i don't know why people have to call people one thing or another because they choose to or not to drive on the ice.
many of the guys and gals who came up to hubbard lake this weekend didn't drive out saturday morning but by sunday they drove out on the ice.
does that mean i am right and they were wrong? no! they decided for themselves that the ice was safe and did what they felt comfortable with. some didn't drive out at all. that is fine too.
can't we agree to disagree without calling each other names.

[woodsman rick]

Couldn't have said it better than east bay ed did.
It's up to the person to deside for themself.

[Hunter333]

Not a chance, no fish is worth the risk! Growing up on Muskegon Lake, I saw a few vehicles break through. They had parked close to shore rather than walk a bit from the road. Then they walked way out there!! I never understood why people drove on the ice rather than walk...... I know its easier but still......

[TeamPolarisracing]

i voted no but, sure i drive on the ice (with a 4-wheeler)hahah never with a truck

[Dawg]

Drive, no.
Ride, yes.
ATV, yes.

[MONACO]

there are acouple things , no i don't drive on ice cuz i'm scared. as for enviromental conserns, an out motor is the worst thing for the lake but i have'nt herd anyone mention that. the amount of gas and oil put in the water by boats is far grater than the isolated accedents with cars or trucks. personly i think the fishing would improve greatly if there was'nt vehicle trafic on the ice.

just one man just one opinion:D

[Joe'sCat]

I agree with many here - before this past weekend, I always thought I would NEVER drive on the ice. But, I took the calculated risk at Hubbard. There was many, many vehicles, heavier than mine. We had guidance of locals. It was quite far to get out there - over a mile linear distance, farther driving due to the curved "road" that was being used. This year, the ice is of premium quality almost everywhere.

That is not to say I was completely relaxed! Yes, my windows were open, and my seatbelt off. I had a thorough evacuation plan. From the vehicle that is. The other kind was automatic and involuntary :D ;) :eek:

Whale described it best on the way out there, "you coudn't drive a nail up my ***** right now"!!! LMAO ROTI (Rolling on the ICE). :D :D :D

I gotta admit, it's handy having the vehicle with all its "stuff" right there. I will majorly avoid doing so again though. It is a huge risk, especially since I really like my truck, and certainly would not want to sink it.

[Ausable Junkie]

Yep, i sure do drive out . I also draw on 25 yrs of
experience on the ice to determine the risk.
I consider several several things BEFORE i drive out:

1) thickness of ice (gotta be #1)
2) MY knowledge of the body of water
(location of springs, river current, spots frequently
exposed to wind etc.)
3)Quality of the ice
4)recent weather

Realize that most people that say u are insane for driving out
probably dont have the knowledge to make the call ok/not ok
to drive out.

These the same people that tell me early on "you're crazy
for fishing now, it only been iced up for a week" are the same
ones that think that a couple of days of mid 40's and sum rain
miraculusly undoes the 18" of ice that has taken 2 months to
form.
Never gone thru yet!! (Knock on wood...-i mean ice)

[MGV]

Well i am partially with some as being a chicken.....I have not drove out on any lake yet. Do i plan on ever driving out on a lake even if my insurence company says i am covered....NO. Get the excercise otherwise get a quad. Cheaper to save if need be.

[jig head]

yes I drive on ice normaly to park near shore .but I have been 5 miles out on the sag. bay also on sturgeon bay 65 fow.the ice there was 36 inches thick.be safe though know where you are going.

[sfw1960]

It is a huge risk, especially since I really like my truck, and certainly would not want to sink it.
The poll is currenty at 40%/60% against....


"Nuff Said!"

[fairview253]

We drove out on Houghton Lake last weekend, 15-20" of ice and no worries, everybody and their brother had their trucks, trailers, vans, and cars there.

[fairview253]

OOPS I almost forgot, all of the above being said I would never drive out on less than a foot of ice.

[nymph]

No driving autos on the ice for me. Sure, I've been on the ice with sleds and quads, but no autos. Why send out the invitation for serious trouble?

just my .02


nymph

[Fishfoote]

I generally follow the no pucker rule whether it's walking on the ice, riding on a sled/ATV, or diving a truck...if it scares me, I don't do it. I think I'm pretty conservative in my judgement - I'm never the first out anywhere.

[Roober]

No way. Went through the ice once and didn't like it at all. Now when I walk out there I even think lite thoughts! I don't need a cars help to put me through
The Roober

[fishctchr]

Well said Ausable Junkie, If I know the lake fine if not, I'll walk. Clay come on over and I'll take you for a ride, right to the gills. You can sit in the truck and fish out the door. With the wind we've had the last few days that was the only way to fish.:D :p :cool:

[iceman2]

It's a good place to buy the farm..

[jaytripple]

I don't think it's such a good idea. go to my pictures and check it out[leave it as you found it.]

[sfw1960]

SEE??
You CAN get brainfreeze from MORE than ice cream...
No Brain , No Pain.....

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/2500Copy__2__of_P1010006-med.JPG

:D

[Randy Kidd]

I think 1970 was the last time I drove on to the ice. My two brothers and I would load up my 64 chevy wagon and drive from Taylor to Saginaw Bay. get there at first light and drive a couple of miles out. We would roll the windows down crank up the heater and the AM radio and fish all day long. There were hundreds of other cars out also. But since I have gotten older and I hope wiser I havn't felt the urge to drive on ice again. Although I don't see anything wrong with it if you are aware of all the factors.

[Abel]

I always said I would never do it, then I went to Black Lake and Saw a number of F-350's plowing a 2 lane Hi-way. So I went out.
I won't be the first out though.

[William H Bonney]

OK, I'd like to change my vote, from "yes" to "no" ,
Especially on LSC, all that noise spooks so many schools of fish!
I'm firmly starting to believe that's why the perch have "lockjaw" out there. And another thing, some of the ATV's and sleds,,,,,,,,,geez,,,,,,, ever heard of a muffler? Some of those machines are unbearable! And the guys that just go for a " sunday stroll" weaving in and out of all the shanties,,, take a straight line or just get to where you're goin' ASAP.


Of course all of this worthless "whinning" goes out the window when I get my 4wheeler!:rolleyes:

I'm such a hypocrite!:rolleyes: lol

[Steelie~Ed]

It’s been a few years. The last time was about 5-6 years ago on Saginaw Bay. The ice was reported to be around 17 inches thick. I took out the high power binoculars, saw the mass of cars, trucks and ATV’s and then followed the marked ‘road’ out. I’ll do it again under like conditions (better than a foot of ice) but only with the old beater Suburban. If it goes through, shame on me. I won’t be able to walk distance again for a year or two. Until then it’s either drive out or stay home. I really have to get that old Rupp up and running again so I can pull my shanty and gear out when I want to - as long as I'm darn sure it's safe.

[Mr Smith]

I have driven Snowmoiles, quads, trucks and landed an airplane on ice and the only time that I broke through the Ice was while walking.