I would suggest getting an ice thickness measurement, so that you won't potentially have 6-10 guys standing together on 5 inches of ice.
You may want to remind people of the state's "ice safety tips" for anyone new to ice fishing.
here is the short version:
Ice Thickness (inches) Permissible Load
(clear, blue, lake ice)
2" or less STAY OFF!
4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5" Snowmobile or ATV
8" - 12" Car or small pickup truck
12" - 15" Medium truck
white (or non-clear ice) 1/2 that of clear ice
Frozen slush " " " "
When we have a thaw / freeze cycle like we have had recently, any snow cover on the ice may just be ice-crusted and should be tested for safety. Trust me, you DO NOT want to join the polar bear club by accident.
For the ice rookies (or less experienced) regardless of whether it's warm or cold, the ice will make noise. Popping and cracking is going to happen, but as long as the temps are cold, it ususally means that ice is forming, not the opposite.
Ice fishing is one outdoor sport where you prepare for an accident every time you head out. Thankfully it's preparation and not reaction.
Hope you all have a great time, and may the call "FLAG!!!" be heard from shore to shore.
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