It hasn’t been the best season for ice fishing, but with bitter cold temperatures sticking around for another few days, anglers might be tempted to pick up their gear and head for frozen water.

But before venturing off prior to sunrise to secure a prime spot, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind and some equipment to pack in addition to a reel, tackle and auger

"What these are, are ice picks. They go around your neck and they can help you if get out of the ice," said Mike Todd, a fisheries biologist with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

A life jacket, especially in the beginning of the season, is a good idea, too, he said. 

"You do not want to go on the ice unless there is 4 inches of solid ice," Todd said. "If it's white ice, it's about 50 perfect weaker, so you want about 8 inches of ice. 

On windy days like Wednesday, fishers need to watch out for shifting ice, especially at the shoreline. Other potential trouble spots are docks that have bubblers, and stream inlets or outlets, as those tend to have thinner ice.

Eventually, Lake Erie and beyond will be snowy and iced over and folks will be out catching breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Fishermen are allowed up to seven lines at once, but all anglers over the age of 16 need a license.  

"Ice fisherman are allowed seven lines, whether it's hand-lines, tip-ups, or tip-downs, in any combination," Todd said. "Whereas open-water fisherman are only allowed three lines."

For those interested in trying but hesitant to spend $5 for a one-day pass, there’s a free ice fishing weekend on February 16 and 17.

"We want people to go out and see how fun ice fishing can be," Todd said.  

Fishermen and women are also encouraged to remember to take their catch with them, along with any gear, bait or other items that might’ve made it out onto the ice.