Ice Fishing Tip Ups

A tip-up is a technique as well as a piece of ice fishing equipment. Learn how and when to use this ice fishing technique, advantages, disadvantages and more information.

ICE FISHING TIP UPS

Ice fishing tip ups are devices set on the ice above fishing holes that dangle bait beneath them using a flag as a strike indicator. When a fish takes the bait, the reel turns and releases the line and flag at the same time. The flag "tips up" alerting the angler something is on the line. Ice tip ups work best with heavier braided line and a larger lure, and typically attract larger game fish while ice fishing

KEYS TO SETTING UP THE BEST ICE FISHING TIP UPS POSSIBLE

  1. Once your tip-up is set up on the surface above your hole, drop your line in the water until it hits the bottom (usually stirring up the water).
  2. Then raise the line slightly above the floor.
  3. The line can either remain still or if you are not in a shelter, the wind can provide a natural jigging movement.

Many anglers try all techniques simultaneously to see which works best for the body of water, the species available and the conditions of the season. If you plan to use multiple fishing rods or tip-ups, make sure you check the regulations from your state agency as some have limits on the numbers of rods an ice angler can use, or require permits.
 
For more information about ice fishing tip ups as items of fishing gear, more information can be found in the ice fishing gear section.