Chapmans Dam

[zenrider]

I sure understand how you guys feel after a close call. But I have to tell you. I have seen some real fool ice fishermen. The man on the stool may have decided it was the safe place to fish and only careless fishermen would venture onto ice where they can fall through.

It is not an onlooker's job to save your azz. It might be gentlemanly, in fact it might be rather heroic. But not all are born nor become heroes. I sure would not want to have to see someone drown out there or anywhere. But, I value my life too and if I thought there was no way I wanted to go out on that ice, I would be calling 911, not risking my neck. I love you man, but I am not going in for any of you. I would throw you a rope though, or try to get my ice grousers out to you. I would not just ignore you. If I saw you got out though, I would most likely fish again.

It is hard to tell exactly what happened from your description, but please be careful and carry those hand picks so you can pull yourself out. You are your own best bet when it comes to ice rescue.

Now I don't mean to sound mean or peave you guys. Don't go out onto unsafe ice. Don't go where no man has gone before. It is just a stupid fish for rice cakes. Don't die or take someone with you. We want you back to post on GG and want you to eat the fish you caught.

BTW. you can pen my name on the ice rigs you wish to will to me, thanks.

[Summers]

Kinda on the fence with this one. On one hand this guy could've atleast got up and yelled to see if you guys needed him to help some way, or throw a rope from a distance or something. On the other hand i see Zens point. Most value life too much to put their own at any risk of saving others. I guess for me i would want to help in a cautiuos way. Now i'm not sure how far Chuck fell in. Was in water up to his knees or was he into his neck? Either way it sounds like it was a pretty scary situation. One i hope to never find myself in....

[ChuckH]

As the one who fell in, it was only up to my waist, it would have been nice to see the person on the bucket at least ask if I was Ok not just keep fishing.

[zenrider]

That does seem a little out of wack for sure. Glad you are OK. One of my friends went in and we could not get him on ice for 3 years after that.

[zenrider]

I was on the ZOO one day and some guy came out and went over to a huge opening in the ice, about two body lengths long, from shore to shore. He started kicking holes into the ice because he did not have an auger or spud. 30 feet of water underneath him. I must admit, my friend and I turned our backs and did not look that way the rest of the day. The next nearest fishermen were at least 3/4 miles away. That would have been all our problem if he went in. Well, we decided it would be all his problem. Not saying we would not have called for help though. But we truely did NOT WISH TO SEE this tragic calamity nor even hear the death screams. I hope that wasn't you Chuck. I already had a childhood friend perish out there a few years back. God Bless Rusty.

When it comes to ice fishing, DO NOT GO WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE.

May you have a happier and safer season.

[Bryan Hoffner]

Zen, you say do not go where where no man has has gone, right?
If we do that then who the heck will know if the ice is safe to fish?
we'll all just sit here twiddling our thumbs thinking of yesteryear when we use to do things.

I'm going, you can stay, I'm not fishing spots that have been fished a hundred times.

[Bryan Hoffner]

Zen, you say do not go where where no man has has gone, right?
If we do that then who the heck will know if the ice is safe to fish?
we'll all just sit here twiddling our thumbs thinking of yesteryear when we use to do things.

I'm going, you can stay, I'm not fishing spots that have been fished a hundred times.

[ChuckH]

No Zen it wasn't me. I haven't fished big ice since I was in school near Lake Placid NY. I'm kinda scared of big ice just because if you go through it could be the last thing you ever do. Not saying going in at Chapman that couldn't happen but where I fish there it is less likely. No I'll be back out this year either for the Winter fest tourn. or after 6+" of ice is recorded.

[zenrider]

I really count on you guys with stones of steel to go report these things to me. No matter how many years I do this, I will never become a first ice type of guy. When I see twenty huts and 50 fishermen wandering every which way out there, I will break out the sled.

Worst ice I was ever on was out Marilla a week to early. No problem walking out to the spot. Took the hand auger and gave it about a twist and a half and I was through!! We stayed about 2 body lengths from shore all day. Did not erect the hut. Nobody got within 10 feet of each other when on the ice. It was totally stupid but I stayed dry luckily. We didn't go back for a few weeks.

Hopefully I can meet some of you at the winterfest. I might try fishing this weekend on a local pond. I am sick of deer hunting.

[Kinzua Man]

I drove over to Chapman on Saturday and there were signs on the lakes edge warning of unsafe ice--needless to say I did not walk my fat arse on the ice. I love to icefish and falling through may change that, so I will wait.

Kinzua Man

[zenrider]

They will leave those signs up all year. CYA type of deal.

[Summers]

Well Chuck glad to hear your ok. Sounds like the guy on the bucket could've atleast yelled and asked if you guys needed help. As far as being a first on the ice type of guy. Nope that guy ain't me. I have NO problem with guys like Hoff that don't blink an eye about being the first on the ice but my stones aren't quite that big. Zen hope to meet some guys from here as well at the winterfest...Should be a good time

[Grizzly Gary]

Glad you are OK Chuck. Always would be scary going through the ice whether it is waist deep or 30 fow. Yes, I would have at least yelled over to see if help was needed.

I am with K-Man in the fact that this chubby angler does not hit the ice till he is hearing reports of 4 inches of good clear ice.

As to Chapman I figure it ought to be good to go for Winterfest. Lots of fish and lots of prizes to be won.

For info visit www.warrencountywinterfest.com

[tidioutefish]

I'm going to try Chapman this weekend. Have no idea where to go on that pond, but I'll give it a shot. How many beers does it take to get out to the middle?

[zenrider]

FYI, I think alcohol is forbidden in the park. So, may wish to consume before entering and have someone drag you out on the ice.

It's hard catching a good enough buzz to last all day.. But if you start real early before sunrise, you can usually do pretty well.

[J-k]

Welcome to the club chuck H. Im glad to hear your ok. Get right back on the horse and start fishing. Any good ice angler has fallen through at least once! Start carrying ice picks around your neck. I have fallen through 5 times and pullled myself out each time.

[J-k]

Im no hero by no means, but i would throw a rope or make a call or something. This guy did the wrong thing. Some people are just azzholes.

[cwilliams]

anyone out catching anything down there yet?

[tidioutefish]

Yeah, I know it's a NO BOOZE PARK at Chapman... that's ok though, I will bring some hot coffee to keep warm.
Any idea how much ice is there now?

[zenrider]

I think you should go with the pre-dawn brew chug fest.