KEEPING WARM FROM HEAD TO FOOT:

When ice-fishing, you must be aware of two possible dangers not involving the ice, itself. The first one is frostbite. Frostbite can affect any area of the body, but is most commonly found in the extremities such as your ears, nose, fingers and toes. So these areas must be constantly monitored to make sure they are not getting too cold.

The other major concern is hypothermia, which occurs when the overall body temperature falls until the efficiency of the body's organs is compromised to the point that they can no longer function properly. Only a few degrees can make all the difference in the world, and remember that the longer you're on the ice, the colder you're likely to get.

The key to consistent comfort on the ice is layering. You might think that the thick, burly sweater your mother knitted you for your birthday is all you need, but what if it gets too hot? Or what happens if the wind picks up and goes right through it? We'll start with keeping the head warm and move down.

A great percentage of natural body heat can be lost through the top of one's head, so wear proper gear to retain the heat you already have. Often, people will wear a toque under the hood of their jacket, or even a thin hat under a thicker one. Either way, one or both can be removed, depending on the conditions. In extremely cold conditions, a thicker woolen balaclava under a toque can be indispensable since it not only protects the head, but also the face and neck. There are also face-masks designed for skiers that can be used in conjunction with hats to keep the face warm.

As noted, a balaclava will also protect the neck area. No matter what you wear over top, it is strongly suggested that you wear a turtleneck or dickey underneath. A scarf is handy but not as preferable as a neck-tube that can be raised to cover the lower part of the face as well as the neck. Again, if you get too hot, you can remove the neck-tube and still have your turtleneck on underneath.

From your neck to your wrists and ankles, you should always start out with a good pair of long-johns. These can be thin, made out of thermal materials, the older types made out of wool, or even out of sweat-shirt material. One-piece models are preferred because they maintain a layer from the neck to the ankles.

Some anglers wear two outer layers, and some three or four. It depends on the layers. Many wear sweat pants, a turtleneck and a sweater or vest under a snowmobile suit. Others might wear an additional jacket and pair of sweats under a shell. It depends on what you own, how cold it is going to be, and what your budget is for new outdoor clothing. But in all cases, layers should be able to be stripped off or added as needed, and the outer layer should have some degree of water repellence to it. Not only might you come across some wet snow or (gasp) freezing rain while on the ice, but if you have to kneel down for anything, the warmth from your body will melt a little bit of the ice you're kneeling on, which will then either stay wet or freeze and become part of your clothing.

Footwear should include a couple of pairs of thermal or woolen socks under warm, waterproof winter boots. You will be standing on ice for quite a period and will want as much insulation as is comfortable because the feet are one of the primary areas for heat loss. Also, the boots should not be tight. If you can move your feet around a little bit it's easier to keep them warm. Another reason for 2 pairs of socks instead of one is that feet perspire, and the moisture can be wicked, or drawn away from the feet through the first layer.

We have left gloves to the last because anglers seem to each have their own preferences. Some use woolen gloves with the fingers cut out, some use the same but with flaps to cover the fingers. Some use neoprene gloves (made of skin-diving wet-suit material), while others just use huge mittens that they take off to attend to the lines. Some use ski gloves and others use snowmobile mitts. So use whatever is comfortable for you. Just keep in mind that fingers can get frostbite quickly if left in freezing temperatures. Also make sure you carry a towel with you to dry off your hands after getting them wet or handling fish. You can also use this rag to kneel on in order to keep yourself dryer.

And finally, make sure to remember some hot tea, coffee or soup. not only will the heat warm you up. but you can lose just as much fluids in the cold as you can sweat out in the heat.

Above all, use common sense.

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