Oshawa, Ontario - With the ice fishing season now underway it is important to remember some very important safety rules before you head out onto the ice. Rapala's top pros give you some tips on how to stay safe this winter season.

Davis Viehbeck - Thunder Bay, Ontario - Rapala Pro Staffer

Ice fishing is a popular winter activity for countless anglers from across Canada and the northern United States.  Ice fishing helps us diehard angling enthusiasts get through the winters until the lakes become ice free in the spring.

• Always look into ice conditions and never venture out on the ice without testing ice conditions or talking to other anglers, hut operators or outfitters.
• Never fish by yourself in the winter and always leave a detailed trip plan with someone explaining exactly where you'll be fishing, where you're parked, who you're with and what time you expect to be home.
• Always wear extraction devices such as Rapala Ice Claws in the event you were to fall through the ice.
• Always wear some type of flotation device when fishing at first ice, late ice or when travelling over unknown areas. 

Wil Wegman - Bradford, Ontario - Rapala Pro Staffer

If you go Thru the Ice.

Consider a pair of Rapala Ice Claws like you would your seat belt.  You hope you never have to test either out - but both could save your life. That's why I wear mine. If for some reason you go through the ice - recognize that your body will instantly react to the jolt of cold water and you will be gasping for air. This is where a floater suit is handy to keep you above the surface - but even without one - keep your head and face above the waterline.  Calm yourself down, turn around the way you came and prepare to get out. Use your legs to propel yourself forward - horizontally - not vertically. Don't try and pull yourself out like you would from a swimming pool! Jab one ice claw firmly into the ice ahead of you and kick/pull at the same time. Make like a seal and continue your horizontal movement forward up and out using your legs - almost swimming your way out of the hole. Then be sure to stay horizontal (to spread your weight out) and roll ...Then crawl away from the hole and back to shore.  Your fishing is done - go get warm and dry.

Scott Homes - Little Britian, Ontario - Rapala Pro Staffer

Augers are an important part of your ice fishing trip as the ice thickens.  Proper care and safety should be taken each trip to ensure a trouble free and safe ice fishing experience.  ALWAYS replace the blade cover on your auger after the holes are drilled, this protects the blades from getting hit and knocked out of line and  being dulled. Replacing the blade cover will also protect you from getting cut or injured while moving or transporting the auger.  Never tap your auger on the blades to remove ice that has built up as this will also put your blades out of line and dull them.  Also make sure to place your auger away from where you are fishing to ensure no one trips on it, when running for a tipup. A good habit is to put the auger back beside your gear or on your transportation so it will not be missed when packing up after dark.