I've only been ice fishing for a few years now and am pretty conservative when it comes to ice conditions. When guys talk about spudding through the ice in 2 whacks, what kind of thickness/strength are we talking about. I get that it will vary with the the shape of spud and force, but kind of curious as to how many hits is "ok" Ice. My son and I fished river on Sunday and crossed the channel without issue, but now I am wondering if I was a little reckless in whacking the ice 2 times every other step. Probably the best way would be for me to go out in shallow "bad" ice to get some experience. But until then I would appreciate some feedback on what works for you.
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Junior Mint
Spudding Ice
Honestly, if you're a beginner there's nothing wrong with poke checking. After a while you'll gain confidence. My thoughts are good ice 2 whacks is about 1.5". But keep in mind that early spring 2 whacks can be 6 inches of ice as well (inch good and 5 inches honeycombed), so to speak as a reference. If you want to learn, go in the spring on last ice with weighters on in a couple feet of water when ice is honeycombed to see how much you cn stand on.
Check out some YouTube vids on spudding ice and you'll see how hard guys "whack" it and how big they are, etc.
Usually do two wacks every step when venturing out on unknown ice. Every few steps I’ll hit it 4-6 times just for confidemce.
A couple weeks back before the warm up we were fishing on 8-10”. Went to move twenty yards down stream and put the spud through in one hit in several spots. Worked our way back down the same path and moved to a section of river with better ice. It’s a spooky feeling when your walking along and that spud blows right through.
A couple weeks back before the warm up we were fishing on 8-10”. Went to move twenty yards down stream and put the spud through in one hit in several spots. Worked our way back down the same path and moved to a section of river with better ice. It’s a spooky feeling when your walking along and that spud blows right through.
For what its worth I have fallen thru on 4"-5" of white ice. Fished night before, fished same holes next morning for about a hour stood up and sploosh. No joke. Took 3 outta my 9 lives right there. Stay safe not worth a few fish.
Sound is key,second is..did the ice chip or pop when you hit it..slush ice is deceiving to walk on,but has a crunch sound when you hit it,honeycomb ice has almost a glass sound and explodes when hit..a loud thud and sudden stop..that's the good stuff..If your not sure..back up and spud a small hole and check it..an extra 5 min check is well worth staying on the dry side..hell there's been times I've pulled the anger out and drilled a hole so i can see what's going on (clear is good,white is bad and if it looks like hard salt,I'm out )..when on the river,remember,it can and does change in short distance and time..you were safe going out,but not going back in..If your walking,your spudding...
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