Ice fishing season has opened for the 2025 season, and the president of the Newfoundland and Labrador T’Railway Council says a cheap ice pick could be one of the most important tools to have this season.

Rick Noseworthy says many fishermen will go onto the ice with ATVs and snowmobiles this year. Keeping the tool underneath the seat won’t help in an emergency.

He says it’s best to keep the ice pick within close reach whenever on the ice and to always have a plan for if you do go through.

“Put the ice pick around your neck. It’s no good having these ice picks underneath the seat of your snowmobile or in your storage container in your ATV,” he said.

“When your snowmobile or your ATV goes through the ice, that goes to the bottom and all your safety equipment goes to the bottom with it.”

Noseworthy says wearing a lifejacket on the ice could also save your life.