Glad someone mentioned it, but definitely watch out near beaver lodges and rat huts, they keep their runs thinned out pretty good, makes them easier to find (listen for hollow sounding ice) but also makes them an easy spot to get wet too

Others have said it but get yourself a set of ice picks, getting up on the ice when youre trying to tread water can be dang near impossible at times. Run them through your sleeves and let them dangle. Will take a bit to get used to being there but may save your life. When it comes to chest waders- wear your belt, they slow down the water considerably and slow down turning you into an anchor if its up over your chest.

Be safe, not a single fur out there worth drowning over.

Go on you tube and watch some videos of getting back on top the ice. If your feet are down, you are not pulling yourself out even with picks. Get your feet against the ice behind you and push your self out with your legs. You have to come out flat, not upright. Yes picks can help, but so can your feet. If the hole is too big, use your feet and kick like you are swimming. Stay flat on the ice to spread your weight and slide or roll away from the hole. If you stand up right away you will likely go through again.

A larger dia wood handle will keep the weight down, and can be placed crosswise to keep you from going all the way in. And make yourself a set of ice spikes on a line to go thru your sleeves to keep them handy where you need them.

I bought a Woods 2 piece last year for $60 Canadian pesos.

I have one of the Eskimo 2 peice ones with the double step cutting edge and it works great. Only down fall is you'll need to buy the right size width flat file to sharpen it if you don't already have a collection of them. The center cutting edge is only like 1/2-3/4 inch wide.

An excellent tool.

Mac

Can’t help with the bar , I’ve never had to trap under the ice . Stay safe out there and keep a change of clothes in the truck .

Well, I bought a set of ice picks and a spud bar today. They sure don't give those things away but It should last me a long long time. Thanks, everyone for the recommendations and advice.

I have never wore chest waders when I'm on ice, didn't know that people did I guess but good advice for people who do.

I have never had rats thin out a spot that much though. Almost makes me think there are beaver in there but maybe it was just some bad ice.

lots of good advice,

lots of good advice...make sure and get a sled you can pull

Get a strap or rope on the chisel if it doesn't have one. It will help keep it off the bottom of the lake.

This one, light but the steeped blades cuts the ice. Owned many over the years. File to sharpen!

Definitely a good career move