Tip-Up Time

I get a lot of ice fishing questions this time of year.  Most would think that these would involve ice fishing electronics, and many do.  But, the number one question I get this time of year is about tip-up fishing.  I have written a lot about tip-up fishing over the last three years and those pieces are still available here in the archives.  The "Flag-UP" series I wrote two years ago continues to be referenced by people when looking for information.

Most people that email me are looking for what I use as a basic set-up.  My basic set-up is just that, basic.  Ok, it may be basic but it is effective and requires very minimal changes when switching species.  Here is how you get started.

First you have to start with a tip-up.  You can use whatever brand you like, just make sure the spool has enough capacity for the line I am going to recommend.  Then, make sure your tip-up spins freely, even at cool temperatures.  If you have that, you are ready for some ice line.

I use black Ice Line because it is very strong, yet has some stretch.  Stretch is important because essentially the line stretch is what is going to keep your fish hooked up and reduce stress on the business end of things.  I prefer about 40 lb ice line, not necessarily for its strength but for it diameter.  You need a thick enough line that you are not getting tangled as you pile it on the ice while fighting a fish.

After you have a full spool of line I add a barrel slip sinker to the system.  The slip sinker should be fed onto the black ice line and then tied on with a swivel.  You want to use a big enough swivel so the sinker can not hang up on it.  As for the sinker, I like to use 1/4 ounce of walleye and 1/2 ounce for pike.

Essentially you are finished with your basic set-up.  You have a tip-up system that is ready  after you add something on the terminal end.  But, this set-up will allow you to fish just about any species without having to change anything besides your terminal leader/hook.  The main line is set.  When you get a bite the slip sinker will fall to the bottom of the lake and the main line will slip threw it without resistance.  This is the same set-up I have used for the last five years with great success and the same set-up I use today.  I have changed my terminal tackle some over the years but I will save that for another piece.