Finding the best tip ups for ice fishing can be a daunting task. There are so many types of products out there, and it’s hard to know which ones will work well in your area.
When buying a product online, you want to make sure that you get what you pay for.
You don’t want to spend money on something that doesn’t work or is poorly made. That’s why we created this guide–to help people find the right tip-ups for their needs at an affordable price point!
We have reviewed all the tip-up ice fishing top brands and models available today and have compiled our findings into this guide so you can easily compare them side by side.
We present all information using pictures and videos so it is easy to understand even if you aren’t very familiar with these products yet!
Quick Jump
ToggleHere are the 5 best ice fishing tip ups of 2021: (fishing tip ups on sale)
- Frabill Ice Fishing Tip-Ups | Strike Indicators for Ice Fishing
- Multi 3 Pack ice fishing Tip-Up with Tackle
- HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm Extreme Tip-Up
- Frabill Artic Fire Tip-Up | Heavy-Duty Tip-Up
- Celsius CE-UT-2PK Ice Fishing Up-Tip 2Pk
What are tip-ups used for?
A tip-up is a great way to avoid getting your hand bitten off by an eager fish. The device uses an auger, drilled hole in the ice with bait suspended from it and when struck at just the right moment will give you some major luck at catching a big fish.
Tip-ups are used for ice fishing typically, but some lakes allow tip-ups in regular water as well. You want to be aware of where you may use them though because the fines for doing it illegally can be steep!
How does a tip-up work?
A tip-up is a simple device with a few parts. The major part of the tip-up is the spool and flag assembly on top of a post. The line goes from the spool through the hole in the ice and bait is placed at the end to sit near or on top of the water’s surface. When a fish bites, the line will go tight and the flag comes up.
You can use a tip-up on its own or tie it to a line guide as well as dangle weights off of it for a better presentation of your bait through the ice.
Sometimes, people use multiple tip-ups together one after another with even more complex rigging to maximize their chances of catching something big.
What are the different types of tip-ups?
There are many different types of tip ups that offer different functions. The key thing to look for is features that you need or desire when going out fishing.
Single, double, and triple tip-ups all have different numbers of triggers on them, with some being single action and others having two or three levels of flagging.
Single action tip-ups need to be reset manually after you get a strike while the double and triple ones will re-raise the flag on their own after you get a bite.
Some of these models are flasher trigger tip-ups, which will help to monitor your line without having to constantly check it. A flasher will monitor the line for sudden movement and raise the flag after a few seconds to show that a fish has taken the bait.
There are also round-style tip-ups, which have a circular design rather than a typical foot. This design makes them easier to pack and store, and they hold more lines than a traditional tip-up as well.
Old fashioned wooden ice fishing tip-ups are also available and they look great in an ice shanty!
How to choose the best tip-ups for ice fishing?
When looking for a tip-up for your ice fishing expedition, there are several things you should consider. What is your primary use going to be? What will you be using it for?
This will help narrow down the choices available to ensure that you get a model that is right for your needs. You can then cross-reference it with reviews to be sure that the model you want is a good one.
What should you look for when picking the right tip up? There are several things that you should look for when picking the best tip up for your ice fishing.
Size: The size of your fishing hole will determine how big of a tip up you need. The size will then factor into how many fish you might catch as well as how good your chances are of catching something every time you go fishing.
Design: You can also consider the design and weight in some cases, which might be a smaller issue on its own but could make a difference if you are going to be packing it in and out.
Price: Finally, some people also consider the cost as a part of the decision-making process, but it is less important for this product.
Ice fishing tip up parts:
These are the different ice fishing tip-ups parts you should know about.
Main flag: The flag goes up when a fish bites and it is typically attached to the spindle. This is the part that pops up when your line goes tight and you have a fish on.
- Spool: This is the part that holds all of your line and is typically more visible than the rest of the parts.
- Spindle: The spindle is a thin metal or plastic rod that attaches to the base of the spool and the flag.
- Line guide: Some tip-ups have line guides on them to help keep the line in place above the spindle so that it can move unhindered by the spindle.
- Handle: This is the part on some tip-ups that has a mechanism for resetting the handle after you get a bite or if you want to deactivate it.
- Lever: This is the part on some tip-ups that you use to activate the main flag.
- Base: This is what all the other parts attach to and it is typically
Ice fishing tip ups how to use:
Once you have your new tip-up, it is time to use it! First, you want to make sure that you set the flag and spindle to the correct height.
You do that by moving the spindle either up or down until you can see a portion of it from your fishing hole.
The line that you use with your tip-up should be 10 to 15 feet long and it needs to be thin and sensitive enough to detect bites.
Most ice fishing tip-ups have a line guide built in to help you keep it neat and ready to use. Once you have your line set up and the flag and spindle in the correct position, you are ready to fish.
What is the best ice fishing tip-up?
There are many different types of ice fishing tip-ups on the market today, and choosing one can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
We’ve reviewed four of the top-rated ice fishing tip ups below so that you can make an informed decision about which product will best meet your needs.
· heritage tip ups
The Heritage Laker Standard unfinished tip-up spool is a 29″ long, 45″ with flag-up product that has the look and feel of an antique trapper’s tool. It features plain hardwood crosspieces for durability and stainless steel trip level to ensure accuracy in reading the lure depth. All you need is paint or stain to turn your new heritage tip -ups into beautiful works of art!
· ht tip ups
The HT Enterprise Polar Therm Extreme Tip-Up is the most durable, freeze-proof tip-up on the market. Completely watertight and constructed with unique material, this huge tip-up is built to last outdoors in cold temperatures for years of use.
The heavy-duty frame supports that pull up smoothly with an adjustable tension trip, making it easy to let the flag go down when you’re ready for a bite.
It also comes equipped with an integrated lid complete with tackle box compartments, so you never have to worry about missing lures or hooks again! So stop playing make-believe games – get yourself some genuine quality ice fishing gear from HT Enterprise!
· frabill tip ups
The all-new and improved Frabill Pro Thermal Tip-up is the original insulated tip-up; it prevents hole from freezing up.
For added security, this ice fishing tip-up has a built-in strike indicator to alert when something grabs on like straight tail grubs for ice fishing.
A new advancement with these units is the shaft in-shaft design that allows re-grease for many seasons of successful ice fishing. These units come pre-lubed with Sub Zero low temp lubricant which ensures success even when the cold winter months are approaching.
With two trip settings (light or heavy) you can be confident your bait will always stay secure and not get snatched away by any rogue fish! This product comes pre-lubed so you can set it up straight out of the box in less than 10 minutes.
What depth should tip-ups be set at?
If you’re angling for bass, it’s important to know the best way of placing your live or artificial bait. For example: if there are twelve feet at water level then set up one or two feet below that mark bottom-bumping baits or suspending jigs.
Try to remember that a good tip-up with a nice flag running about the same depth is a valuable bit of information, and it helps us all to enjoy catching more fish.
The first time you use a tip-up, take plenty of time and be sure that the flag goes down when you want it to. If not, play around with the spindle until your tip-up starts working properly. A good idea is to estimate the depth of the water and set your tip-up to touch the bottom.
However, you don’t want to set it so deep that a fish can’t possibly run with the bait to make the flag go down.
Homemade tip up designs
You can also make your own tip-ups to save money. Some of these are better than others, but it’s always best to use the best stuff you can afford (a fishing line, hooks, flags, etc).
Here are three homemade designs for tip-ups.
1) Simple wooden trip-arm tip up
2) The sloped flag design.
3) The paddle wheel design.
Also, here’s a video about tip up fishing, which you might find interesting.
Homemade ice fishing tip ups plans
These are homemade plans that you can use to build your own tip up for ice fishing. Try them and enjoy ice fishing.
The first design is for a simple wooden trip-arm tip up. Here’s how to make one:
Cut a piece of 3/4″ x 3 1/2″-long wood for the base and three pieces of 5-1/2″ long wood for the arms.
Drill a hole through the center of each arm that is big enough to allow the fishing line to pass through easily.
Glue and screw or nail everything together tightly, then round off the sharp edges with a file or sandpaper.
The second design is for a sloped flag tip up which you can make from PVC pipe and some nails, clay or putty, plumbers epoxy, and a scrap of wood. Nail or screw them together at one end with the pieces of wood you used for the first design, making sure the slots are sloping.
The third design is the same as the first, except that it makes use of a paddlewheel to trip the flag. Here’s how to make one:
Cut a 2″ x 3″-piece of PVC for the base and two pieces of 1-1/4″ PVC pipe for the shafts.
Mark and drill a 1″ hole in the center of the base, then drill another hole 3″ from one end of each shaft.
How do you set up ice fishing tip ups?
- Attach a line with a good strong knot through one hole you drilled in the base and another through either hole in each shaft.
- Screw or nail the pieces together and secure them with plumbers epoxy.
- Paint everything flat black, then drill a small hole in each end of the shafts and run a 1/16″ wire through them to attach the flag.
- Put a 3/8″ washer on each wire to keep the flag on.
- Attach a fishing line to each wire at the top of the shafts and attach another line, with hooks on it, to both wires.
- Cut a small block of 1/2″ plywood or hardboard and drill a 3/4″-diameter hole in it. Attach a 1″ x 3/4″-piece of PVC to the hole, then attach the block to the other end of the pipe and paint it flat black.
How do you bait a tip up?
The best baits for tip up ice fishing with tip-ups are live shiners, shad, and suckers. Dead bait like frozen herring or raw chicken also makes this list of trophy pike!
We can rig live minnows on any of the aforementioned species rigs to catch them all – from smallmouth bass in coastal waters up through musky freshwater ones near rapid streams (like Muskie Time) and. Even the lunker landlocked salmon we find in our Great Lakes.
Hook types and sizes depend on what you’re after, but that’s where I leave you. You can figure out the rest.
* Big fish around here like big baits (like 2 oz+ shiners and suckers), so I use 2/0 and 3/0 hooks for most of my rigging.
** Live bait is easy to rig. Just add a split shot or two to your line – just above the leader about 1 ft. from your hook, then add a small bobber near the tip up.
*** I haven’t had a lot of luck with either herring or chicken, but you can try them if you like.
Best tip ups for pike fishing
You know that pike fishing is a great way to catch fish, but you’re not sure what the best tip ups for pike fishing are.
We all love catching fish with our kids and the family on a weekend afternoon, but we also want to make sure we have the right equipment so everyone stays safe. your favorite local tackle shop or sporting goods store near you!
- Unfolded Size(LxH): approx. 17.3x15.6inch.
- Foldable design, convenient to set up and carry, free your hands...
- Strong metal iron parts with an upgraded durable plastic spool at...
- Flexible prompting metal parts with a red flag, let you never...
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Extra molded durable poly base with dual trip settings: light for...
- 17.5" inch flag shaft with high visibility flag
- Molded-in 19" ruler | Large capacity metal spool with...
- FREEZE-PROOF
- TANGLE-PROOF
- ADJUSTABLETENSION TRIP
- Manufacturer: HT Enterprise
- Top quality, handmade ice fishing tip-up
- Freeze proof and windproof
- Natural finish
- Highly visible Red flag indicator
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Traditional hardwood design | 17.5" flag | Ultra-glide shaft for...
- Pre-lubed with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant | Shaft-in-shaft...
- Dual trip settings (light or heavy) for versatile options...
Best ice fishing line for tip ups
The problem with ice fishing is that you need all of your gear to work perfectly in order for it to be a wonderful experience. If something breaks or malfunctions, then your day could be ruined before it’s even started.
The best way to avoid this issue is by purchasing high-quality equipment from the start. This will ensure that everything works properly and lasts a long time without breaking down on you. Check below top picks that suit your need. Check below the best tip-up line bulk collection.
- Abrasion resistant
- Will not freeze
- Smooth and braided
- Abrasion resistant
- Will not freeze
- Smooth and braided
- HTPprovides exceptional abrasion resistance, durability, low...
- Hydro Fusion Processensures fast sinking speed, low memory, and...
- Low Memory
- Exceptional Cold-Weather Handling
- ICE BRAID: Specifically designed for ice fishing rod, reels and...
- PRECISION X8 STRANDS: We take performance to new heights with our...
- ZERO MEMORY: Say goodbye to annoying line twists and tangles; Our...
- BATTLE-TESTED DURABILITY: Conquer the toughest and iciest fishing...
Best ice fishing hooks for tip ups
Our team reviews the best ice fishing hooks for tip-ups that will help you enjoy your hobby even more!
You’ll be able to pick up top-rated products from well-known brands such as Rapala and Zebco so you never need to worry about wasting money again!
- 5 Packed product
- Great For Clipping Hook To Tip Up Spool
- Holds Hook And Wont Damage Line
- Country of Origin:China
- Say GOODBYE to split shots on your deadsticks and your tip-ups...
- Tie this to your dead stick, tip-up or just jig it with a live...
- Color: Variety pack of 5 different colored fluorescent Hooks
- Hook Size: #4 Octopus Hooks
- 15pcs/pack for this ice fishing jigs kit
- Treble hook size: 10#, 12#, 14#
- High quality treble hook with diamond
- 5 colors: each size have 3 pcs
- Great for ice fishing or open water
- Durable and reliable
- Made in the U. S. A.
- Double Pike Tip-Up Leader
- Engineered for the most extreme conditions
- Designed for ice fishing
- Hassle-free storage or transportation.
Best bait for ice fishing tip ups
f you’re looking for the ideal ice fishing bait, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ll give you our top picks of proven baits that are sure to improve your chances of catching more fish.
Here’s our list of favorite ice fishing tip ups baits to get started! Happy Fishing!
- 【Catches More Variety of Fish】There's a good assortment of...
- 【Great Addition to Fishing Tackle Box】High-quality soft worms...
- 【Attractive & Life-live Ice Fishing Lure Kits】Night rendering...
- 【Best Choice for Avid Ice Fisherman】This 190 pcs fishing lure...
- Efficient Ice Fishing Jigs: The 30pcs ice fishing jigs set...
- Glow in Dark: Ice fishing jigs have luminous effects, Great for...
- Attractive Jigs: Fishing jigs have a highly reflective baitfish...
- High Sharpness: The hook can effectively ensure the continuous...
- EFFICIENT ICE FISHING JIGS: The 50PCS ice fishing jigs set...
- ATTRACTIVE ICE FISHING LURES: Ice fishing jigs' realistic raised...
- WIDE RANGE OF TARGET FISH: These ice fishing jigs are...
- MADE OF PREMIUM MATERIALS: All these ice fishing lures made of...
- 【150 PCS UV Ice Fishing Jigs Soft Worm Baits for Any...
- 【Deadly Attraction Glow Ice Fishing Kits】VMSIXVM ice fishing...
- 【Ice Fishing Jigs with Soft Baits Kit】Wonderful assortment of...
- 【Widely Fishing Targets】VMSIXVM ice fishing lures feature...
- THE WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS: This Fishing Kit not Only...
- EASY TO CARRY AROUND: The Compact Fishing Tackle Equipment Is...
- THE RIGHT ICE FISHING GEAR: 220 Pcs Fishing Gear Kit Ice Fishing...
- 26-PAGE ICE FISHING BOOK: This Comprehensive 26-Page Booklet Is A...
How do you rig up a tip up for pike?
Rigging a tip up is usually pretty simple – set out the flag, attach it to the cable, and place bait on top of the flag.
But sometimes this process can be tricky if there’s ice or snow on the ground. In this video, we’ll show you how to rig up a tip-up for pike in all types of weather conditions so that your setup goes smoothly every time.
Frequently Asked Questions about new ice fishing tip ups (FAQ)
What does tip up mean?
The term ‘tip up’ is used when describing the act of lifting one end so that everything else on top can slide out. In this example, she could peer into her hidden treasure trove with little difficulty as soon as she opened it up!
Are Beaver Dam tip ups worth it?
Beaver Dam ice fishing tip-ups are a great way to keep your tip-up shaft clean. The plastic framed HT Polar Tip-ups (not the round thermal ones) work very well, they’re easy for maintenance and priced fairly! I got some cheap carpet samples that had slits cut into them so you could fit through it; these will prevent liquids from seeping in overtime as well.
What size hook is best for ice fishing?
Ice fishing doesn’t have to be difficult. Small hooks in the size #8-14 range will work well for delicate baits like mousies and waxes, while larger ones can handle minnow lures as well (start with sizes 4/2). Downsized jigs are your best bet when it comes time to fish on ice!
How long should my leader be for ice fishing?
If you want to catch bluegills, crappies, and perch, then the smaller holes are best. With an average size of about 4-5 inches, they will fish for these species as well! Use 8 inch deep pits if your target is trout or northern pike while large bass might prefer larger twelve inches that can hold water better when it’s time putter their line in deeper waters without fear snags occur from tangling around vegetation clogging our fishery resources like we see happen regularly during winter months here on upstate New York where ice anglers often use this type by necessity.
Can pike bite through fluorocarbon?
Though not for everyone, the benefits of using fluorocarbon in fishing for pike are worth taking advantage of. Not only does it make casting much easier on any type of line or leader, but because they’re so elastic, you can jerk bait and reel faster without worrying about getting a bit off with an unwanted catch!
How long should a tip up leader be?
For fish like walleye, bass, trout, and perch, you’ll need about three feet of fluorocarbon leader tied to your barrel swivel using a Trilene knot. This makes it hard for the fish to see that there’s any kind of bait online or hook before taking their first bite into this enticing food source!
Conclusion:
With the vast amount of information out there about tip-ups, it’s difficult to know where to begin. The best tip-up for you depends on what you are looking to catch and how far away your hole is located from where you fish. We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect one for your needs!
If you found this article helpful, please share it online and on social media! We put a lot of time into making this guide to help others out, and we appreciate your support in return.
Seeing people use our information is the best reward we could ask for! We wish you the best of luck in finding the tip-up that works for you! Happy fishing. Have a question or comment about this article? Please leave your thoughts below:
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