Wearing a life jacket while ice fishing

Do any of you ice fish while wearing a life jacket? If so, which one do you wear? Although I'm not the most daring when it comes to trekking out on sketchy ice, I've been thinking about purchasing a life jacket to wear during early and late ice. Thoughts? Are there any models that would be wearable under a jacket? Would an inflatable work if worn under a jacket?

Almost forgot, here is a link to the belt: http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?part=213344&engine=adwords!6456&keyword=product_ad_59244&type=pla

I don't typically venture out on early / late ice. I would think that carrying a spud bar with you to test the ice before you step on it would be a great way to keep yourself out of trouble. When we (my kids and I)snowmobile across a lake I have them put on a water ski belt under their coat. You don't even know it's on. As others have said, keep a rope handy, and a pair of ice picks somewhere on your person where they will be easy to grab. I keep a water ski rope with me, they are easy to throw, cheap, and have a handle for someone to hang onto. http://www.glensoutdoors.com/Frabill-Safety-Ice-Picks-p/6579.htm?gclid=CMiZy62vobMCFYs7Mgod1jIAug&gdftrk=gdfV24023_a_7c2063_a_7c8559_a_7c6579 With the picks you have a decent chance of getting yourself out, just in case you can't, the water ski belt will keep you floating long enough for someone to throw you a rop.

Most life jackets can be worn under a winter coat. I don't think it would be good idea wearing an inflatable under a coat,it could strangle you when it inflates, outside the jacket would be ok.

I don't plan on spending a lot of time in the water if I break through.

Cap'n Steve I mostly agree. As for my pfd its a relatively cheap Cabelas brand I'm not sure of the model but I wear it under my coat so I still have access to my pockets. I plan on getting an Arctic Armour suit next year. It floats but not Coast gaurd approved flotation. Cheaper than the mustang I think.

If there is a possibility of going thru the ice, don't go out haha. 3 minutes in frozen water, your done for anyways.

A few years ago I went through a slushy crack but managed to get myself out (obviously) after a little struggle. After that I went on a search for a way to keep that from happening again heh. I purchased a "Mustang Survival Suit", which in my opinion is the very best choice I could make. If you want to see it tested in the water do a search for the video the company puts out on youtube. It can at times feel a little bulky, but I swear there are no warmer coats out there. Mine is a two piece suit that most people would compare to a snowmobile suit. (bibs and jacket). Ask yourself if you are worth it, then Buy One ! Pete I forgot to add these are Type III Coast Guard Approved PFD's

justmike & JamesD, Could you point me to the model you use? Did you purchase a certain size to fit over your ice gear?

I fish alone most of the time so when I go on early, or late ice or a new area I wear the same cabelas pfd as I do on the kayak. I also wear spikes. In my mid 30's I realized I wasn't immortal any more and started taking a few precautions.

I wear the same Bass Pro PFD as in my boat. Always a good idea if the ice is dicey. Makes things much easier for the guys sent out to recover the corpse. If your vehicle goes thru, a quick cell call with the remaining air, reporting the type of fish and the depths they're at is helpful too.......

Better a bobber than a sinker! When it looks sketchy I wear an inflatable and carry picks. Duke

Early ice when taking the life jacket I would also take along a long rope and picks to get back on top. Just in case.

Don't be a human bobber.