Some fishing enthusiasts have already set up shop on local lakes and rivers in hopes of catching the big one.

For some ice fishing is a lot of fun, but thin ice can turn that fun into a dangerous situation.

For the last decade Josh and Crystal Tessmer have been packing up their truck---and heading out to tackle ice fishing.

"It's better than watching TV," says Josh.

He's been pulling Northern Pike out of the waters in our area since he was 10 years old.

He credits his dad for showing him how to check the thickness of the ice using an ice chisel.

Josh says he takes safety seriously and has never fallen through the ice.

"It's plain and simple if you think it's not safe than don't go out."

We also caught up with Tim White of Kronenwetter, Alex Schultz of Mosinee and Andy Beattie of Weston.

This trio of friends has been swapping stories over a hole in the ice for nearly 10 years.

"It's good camaraderie here a bunch of us guys out her trying to catch Some fish and some dinner," says Schultz.

Alex, Tim and Andy say they love ice fishing but aren't fans of the frigid temperatures.

So after they get their lines in the water, they wait in their truck, and only get out if the fish are biting.

They say one way they learned to check the ice is by using the "rock test."

"We like to do a thing called the rock test first, throw the rock and if it breaks the ice it's probably not safe." Schultz says jokingly.

They say they don't rely solely on this test and by the looks of things here in Schofield they aren't the only people doing it.

Wausau Battalion Chief Tom Leslie recommends staying anchored to the shore if you plan to use the rock method.

"The rock method is kind of interesting. Most people weigh 150 lbs or more and throwing a 150lb rock on the ice, I don't think they would be able to do that, so we don't recommend the rock method."

He says depending on the flow of the water, it may not be safe to start fishing.

The cold water can impair your ability to keep yourself afloat, if you fall in.

"The problem is if you fall through if you don't self Rescue you've got a small window of time to get out, blood is leaving your extremities because your body is in survival mode, it's moving the blood your vital organs."

The bottom line--before you cast your line-- Leslie says make sure the ice is more than than 4 inches thick.

He also says you should carry a good safety kit... including a life vest, a pair of ice picks and a rope.