Ice fishing can be rewarding and enjoyable with the right equipment. If you don’t have the right gear, you may not have success or very much fun. Ice fishing with the “tip-ups” method is the easiest type of ice fishing, which relies upon the desirability of your bait than your angling skills. This method allows you to catch fish without holding a fishing rod. Tip-ups are deployed in a hole carved in the ice and then the fishermen sets their trot lines. Tip-ups also allow you to fish multiple holes at the same time using different depths and locations. Each tip-up is rigged with a flag that pops up once a fish has taken the bait, which is where this method acquired its name. Many first time fishermen choose to start ice fishing using tip-ups.
Choosing the Right Tip-up
While there are a plethora of tip-ups available, the most important feature is durability. You want to make sure that the tip-up works properly even in the most frigid environments. After you go through the trouble of finding right spots, drilling multiple ice holes and setting up the gear, the last thing you want is to find out that your tip-up isn’t working. While plastic ones are cheaper, they are often unable to handle extended exposure to cold weather and sunlight as well as metal or wood. Most tip-ups are designed so that the spool of line is underwater to prevent it from freezing.
Since you will have them in several different locations, you need to be able to see your tip-ups from a distance. Choose one with a large enough flag on a pole that you can see from 100 yards. The flag should be red or orange in color for greater visibility. In addition you can even spray paint your rig to make sure it is completely visible as well. Some tip-ups have additional features such as a round cover that prevents your ice hole from freezing over or an action indicator that displays the line movement from fish bites.
Rigging the Tip-up
To begin preparing your tip-up fill your spool with 30 to 40lb test, braided or dacron line. You can use regular monofilament line, but these types are a better choice so you can easily see the line against the ice and snow. Then attach a swivel to the end of the line and tie on a monofilament leader and hook. Add some split shot to your leader to keep your bait down. Bait your hook with the right bait for the type of fish you want to catch. Minnows, shad, and worms are usually your best bet for most species.
Start with three ice holes and three tip-ups each positioned 30-40 feet from another so you can fish different areas at the same time and increase your chances. Don’t place the tip-ups too far away since you need to get there quick when you get a bite. Now that you know how to use tip-ups, get out on the lake and go ice fishing!
