When ice fishing, one of the most effective tools you can use is a tip-up. This device acts as a type of fish trap and is designed to work unattended. When a fish strikes, the tip-up raises a flag to indicate to the angler that it needs attention. The line can then be brought in with the hooked fish. With a tip-up, you can even fish multiple holes in the ice, simultaneously.
Design
The basic design of a tip-up is that of a frame of some type that fits across a hole in the ice. The frame contains the spool of fishing line with terminal tackle attached. The spool typically has some type of trigger that will actuate a flag release mechanism. This mechanism holds down a signal flag, usually made of a long, flat strip or rod of spring steel with a small, plastic flag attached to its tip.
Setup
When a tip-up is set, the weights, hook and bait are spooled out from the reel into the water through the hole in the ice. The tip-up frame is then placed over the hole. The reel usually sits in the water to prevent it from freezing. The flag is then bent down and locked into position, and the release mechanism is set.
Function
When a fish strikes the bait, line will spool out from the reel. As it turns, the trigger on the reel trips the flag release mechanism, which then allows the flag to pop up, indicating to the angler that a fish is on the line. The hook is then set by a strong upward pull on the line by the angler, who then retrieves the fish by bringing the line in hand-over-hand.
Types
The simplest of tip-ups consists of a single upright pole with two cross members attached in the center. At the bottom of the upright pole is the fishing reel and line. The flag release mechanism is attached to the side of the upright pole, from next to the reel to near the top of the pole. The flag is attached to the top of the pole and folds down to the top of the release mechanism. Other models include tip-ups made of a rectangular frame that lays across the ice hole that have a spring actuated flag release; thermal tip-ups that completely cover the hole, blocking both sun and snow; and tripod tip-ups that hold the flag in place with magnets.
Rigging
A typical rig for terminal tackle using a tip-up consists of a Dacron backing line with a barrel swivel tied to its end. A monofilament leader is attached to the swivel. For some fish, such as northern pike that may cut through monofilament line, a wire leader may be used instead. A single or treble hook is then tied to the end of the leader. Split shots can then be added to the leader to keep the bait at the proper depth. The hook is then usually baited with a live minnow or other bait fish.
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