FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ice Fishing Enthusiasts Encouraged To Stay Safe On
The Ice
TORONTO,
Dec. 19 /CNW/ - All Winter Ice fishing Anglers To Check Ice Hut Regulations
Anglers are reminded to play it safe on the ice.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable ice fishing experience, anglers should:
- Advise others where they plan to fish and when they plan to return
- Wear appropriate clothing, such as a floater suit
- Carry appropriate equipment, like a set of ice picks - Register
ice huts where required, except tent-style huts with a base area of
less than seven square metres - Check ice thickness regularly with
a spud bar or auger as they move further out on the ice.
>> QUOTES "Ice fishing is a popular winter activity for
thousands, but people needto play it safe and stay off the ice unless
they're sure about ice conditions," said Natural Resources Minister
Donna Cansfield (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/About/2ColumnSubPage/249086.html).
"Anglers should also be familiar with the regulations about registering
ice huts."
<< QUICK FACTS - Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness
across most lakes and rivers, particularly at the start of the winter
season when near
- shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out.
- Ice that forms over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old
ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker
than surrounding ice.
- The strongest ice is clear blue in colour. White or opaque ice
is much weaker, and ice with a honeycombed look should be avoided.
- Added precautions must be taken when travelling on frozen lakes
or rivers. Snowmobiles require at least 20 centimetres of clear blue
ice and most light vehicles require 30 centimetres or more. Double
these amounts if the ice is white or opaque.
- A layer of heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the
ice below and slow down freezing. LEARN MORE - Read more about the
registration of ice fishing huts (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Newsroom/LatestNews/261769.html).
- Find out more about fishing licences and laws(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/Publication/STEL02_163615.html)
(ontario.ca/fishing).
Publisher Comments from 400ELEVEN.COM: Ice fishing can be a family fun outing either
for a day trip or overnight with accommodation with ice fishng getaway packages. Serious anglers may want to consider a Ice
fishing Tournament or Derby. Families and couples heading north of Toronto can also take in one of the many Winter
Carnivals.
