It may not be cold enough yet for ice fishing, but those that enjoy the past-time should be prepared for when they will be able to get out on the ice.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jeremy King says that there are more and more people who are taking the opportunity to fish on rivers and other bodies of water during the winter. He explains that one of the reasons this has been observed is the advancement in the small buildings many use while ice fishing.

King tells Raccoon Valley Radio that those that are planning to go ice fishing, there are many things to remember when it comes to their safety, especially with the possibility of falling through the ice.

“I always strongly suggest carrying a set of ice picks with you, (or) a spud bar, which is just like a piece of metal with a wedge on it slamming it down the front of you, or a broomstick if you want. The benefit to a broomstick is if you fall through in a bad situation, they float. Plus you can turn it sideways and use it to help pull yourself back out of the water.”

King mentions that another tip that he and other conservation officers give to ice fishers is that they should fish in areas that have clear, good ice, that is at least four inches thick.