So according to a new Mayo Clinic study, published recently in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine falling through the ice is not actually the biggest threat that this sport poses. In fact, it's just the beginning.

Of the injuries identified by researchers, half involved broken bones, sprains, and strains. More than 33 percent were related to injuries like abrasions, cuts, fish-hook injuries, and punctures. Five cases involved concussions, appendage loss, or organ injuries. Four cases involved falling into cold water, and four concerned anglers being burned.

“Falling through the ice is the most feared risk of ice fishing,” the study’s lead author, Cornelius Thiels, said via the Mayo Clinic News Network. But burns, he added, are just as common, and rarely discussed. “Ice-fishing huts often contain rudimentary heating systems, and we have seen injuries from fires and carbon-monoxide inhalation.”

The biggest concern is the growing popularity of the sport. People who know little to nothing about it are venturing out unprepared for what may really lay ahead. The disturbing thing about it is that ice fishing injuries are more often than not severe if you do not know what you are doing.

What we would suggest is that if you are one of the ones who thinks that ice fishing is simply fishing in colder weather that you do your research before you trek out into the icy frontier. Do not go alone and take along first aid gear and the correct supplies and this will seriously lessen your chances of sustaining injury.

Source: Field & Stream