Fishermen Already Testing Ice On Lake Michigan
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Ice fishermen have returned to some Chicago harbors, even though it might be a little early to be standing on the not-so-thick ice.
Jay Hernandez has been ice fishing on Chicago harbors long enough to know better than to venture onto the frozen surface of the lake just yet. Behind Hernandez, some fishermen were in a shanty on the ice, keeping warmer than others, but Hernandez said they were taking a chance, since the ice might not hold yet.
"I've been doing this, probably, for 10-12 years. I never feel safe," he said.
The only exception was last year, when the ice on Lake Michigan was especially thick, amid the third coldest and third snowiest meteorological winter on record in Chicago.
Hernandez estimated the ice at Diversey Harbor was 4 to 6 inches thick on Friday.
"Right under these docks, it could be six inches, four inches; you go out, they could be two inches. You don't know. You might want to wait. I stay on the docks right now, because I know it's not safe," he said.
Single-digit temperatures at noon were no big deal for fishermen wearing the right clothes – a Carhartt jacket on top of at least three other layers for Hernandez.
"I've got a couple layers under there. I've got some warm … UnderArmour. It keeps you warm. I've got a couple of sweaters. I'm feeling great, you know?" he said.
Hernandez had been out since 5:30 a.m. and still looked comfortable.
"I'm not cold. It's just your fingertips get a little cold once in a while," he said.