How To Use Ice Fishing Tip Ups

By Jeff Matura

Summary: Tip ups can be very effective for catching northern pike, bass, and walleyes under the ice with live bait. Tip up fishing is much like bobber fishing in the summer time, but only on the ice. One of my bigger walleyes right at 8lbs was caught on a tip up.

When using tip up you will be using bait such as suckers, shad, or creek chubs. In most cases good live bait will outcatch dead bait, but dead bait does have its moments. Size of the bait can make a big difference, especialy when searching for big northern pike. I like to use bait 5-8 inches long for bigger northern. Circle and trebble hooks both work good, but a quick strike rig with two smaller trebbles works best.

Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for northern pike. We have had some great fishing in only 1 to 2 feet of water. When fishing 3 feet or less I would suggest adjusting the tip up so the bait hangs just 6 inches below the surface of the ice. In deeper water about 1/3 down the water column. Remember, fish look up for food, not down.

Types Of Tip Ups

There are two types of tip ups, surface and under water. The difference between the two is the whether the spool of fishing line is about the ice, or below in the water. When fishing live bait it's important the fish doesn't feel resistance when taking your bait. This is why I prefer the under water model of tip ups. Because the spool of line is under water the line won't free to the spool. Surface tip ups can really only be used during warmer weather.

An example of a surface type tip up is shown to the right. This model does have a stand out feature being that it will jig your bait by utilizing the wind. However, on a cold day wet line will freeze solid on the spool.

An example of a under water tip up is shown to the right. This style has been around for years and is a dependable performer. As you can see the spool is under water and the line will not freeze to the spool. The vertical shaft will also fold parallel to the base for convenient storage.

An improved under water tip up is shown to the right and is my personal favorite. After setting this tip up kick a little slush around it and the hole won't freeze up even when the temperature is in the single digits. With a solid base this model also prevents sunlight from shining into shallow waters. Nuisance flags(trips) caused by energetic chubs can also be avoided by pinching the fishing line into the trigger loop. With the vertical shaft turned horizontal into the base these tip ups also stack very nicely into 5 gallon buckets.