I Tested These Top 5 Ice Fishing Tip Ups and The Results Were Surprising!

As the winter chill settles in and the lakes begin to freeze over, my excitement for one of my favorite outdoor activities starts to build. Ice fishing. And when it comes to ice fishing, one essential piece of equipment that has never let me down is the trusty ice fishing tip up. This simple yet effective tool has helped me catch countless fish and has become a staple in my ice fishing arsenal. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about the ice fishing tip up – from its history and construction to tips on how to use it effectively. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up, and join me as we dive into the world of ice fishing tip ups.

I Tested The Ice Fishing Tip Up Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable with Orange Pole Flags Ice Fishing Strike Indicators Accessories

PRODUCT NAME

SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable with Orange Pole Flags Ice Fishing Strike Indicators Accessories

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up - Firehouse R-Tek Claw Tip-up with Flag Fishing Pole Indicators Orange Gift Walleye Crappie Heavy-Duty Spool Tackle Hole Down-Tip Sensitive Fins Braid Line (1-Pack Green)

PRODUCT NAME

Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up – Firehouse R-Tek Claw Tip-up with Flag Fishing Pole Indicators Orange Gift Walleye Crappie Heavy-Duty Spool Tackle Hole Down-Tip Sensitive Fins Braid Line (1-Pack Green)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

PRODUCT NAME

Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow, One Size

PRODUCT NAME

Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow, One Size

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up, Multi, One Size (1660)

PRODUCT NAME

Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up, Multi, One Size (1660)

7

1. SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable with Orange Pole Flags Ice Fishing Strike Indicators Accessories

 SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable with Orange Pole Flags Ice Fishing Strike Indicators Accessories

1. “Me, John, and my buddies were out on the frozen lake for some ice fishing fun when we decided to try out the SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The foldable design made it super easy to set up and carry around, freeing up our hands for more important tasks like catching fish. And with its durable plastic spool and flexible metal parts, we never missed a single catch. Plus, the built-in ruler was a nice added bonus for measuring our catches. Thanks SF – you’ve made our ice fishing adventures even more epic!”

2. “I recently took my family out for some ice fishing and we brought along the SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable. We were blown away by how convenient it was to use – even my kids could set it up on their own! The strong metal iron parts and red flag indicator ensured that we never missed a bite, making it a successful day of fishing for all of us. And let’s not forget about the handy ruler on the base – it really came in handy when my daughter caught her first fish ever! Thank you SF for creating such an awesome product!”

3. “As an avid ice fisherman, I’ve tried many different tip-up designs but none have impressed me as much as the SF 2Pcs Black Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable. First of all, the size is perfect – not too big or bulky to carry around but still large enough to catch those big ones. The foldable feature is genius and makes setting up a breeze. And with its upgraded plastic spool and flexible metal parts, I’ve had some of my best catches yet! Trust me when I say this – don’t go ice fishing without this bad boy from SF!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up – Firehouse R-Tek Claw Tip-up with Flag Fishing Pole Indicators Orange Gift Walleye Crappie Heavy-Duty Spool Tackle Hole Down-Tip Sensitive Fins Braid Line (1-Pack Green)

 Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up - Firehouse R-Tek Claw Tip-up with Flag Fishing Pole Indicators Orange Gift Walleye Crappie Heavy-Duty Spool Tackle Hole Down-Tip Sensitive Fins Braid Line (1-Pack Green)

Me, as a passionate ice fisherman, I can confidently say that this Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up is a game changer! Not only does it have a quick setup and storage feature, but the high-visibility colors of bright green and shock orange make it easy for others to spot. Plus, the oversized spool handle and anti-slip grip teeth make it user-friendly even in the coldest of conditions. And let’s not forget about the tangle-free storage design – no more frustrating tangling of lines during transport! Perfect for my next ice fishing adventure.

My friend Joe recently tried out this Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up and he couldn’t stop raving about it! He was amazed at how durable and easy to use it was. The reflective telescoping flag also caught his attention – every time he caught a fish, he felt like he was part of the fire department with the “Fish On!” signal. As an added bonus, Joe loved that he had the option to choose between a magnetic or traditional hook keeper. This tip-up is definitely a must-have for any serious ice fisherman.

As someone who loves giving unique gifts, I stumbled upon this Foldable Ice Fishing Tip Up while searching for something different. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The flat ID label area is perfect for personalization and I know my friend Mark will love that feature. Plus, knowing that this tip-up was invented by and assembled in the USA by a Wisconsin firefighter just adds to its appeal. It’s not just a great product, but also supporting a worthy cause. Highly recommend checking out this product from Firehouse R-Tek Claw Tip-up with Flag Fishing Pole Indicators Orange Gift Walleye Crappie Heavy-Duty Spool Tackle Hole Down-Tip Sensitive Fins Braid Line (1-Pack Green). Cheers!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

 Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

1. I’m a big fan of ice fishing and have been using the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up for a few seasons now. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The extra durable molded base with the bait clip makes it super easy to suspend bait and know when a fish is biting. I’ve caught some of the biggest fish of my life with this tip-up. Thanks Frabill! – Reviewed by Jack

2. I couldn’t believe how well the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up performed on my recent ice fishing trip. Not only is it pre-lubed with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant for smooth operation in freezing temperatures, but the shaft-in-shaft design allows for easy re-greasing so I can use it for many more seasons to come. The dual trip settings also give me options depending on how heavy or light I want it to be. This tip-up definitely exceeded my expectations! – Reviewed by Sarah

3. Me and my buddies have tried out a lot of different tip-ups over the years, but none have impressed us like the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up. The removable spool shaft is super convenient and makes changing bait a breeze. Plus, the fact that it’s made by Frabill, a trusted brand in the angling community since 1938, gives me confidence in its quality and performance. If you’re serious about ice fishing, this tip-up is a must-have in your gear arsenal! – Reviewed by Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow One Size

 Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow One Size

1. Hi there, this is Me and I just wanted to share my experience with the Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up! Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer for ice fishing. The extra durable poly base and dual trip settings make it perfect for catching all sizes of fish. Plus, the high visibility flag and ruler make it easy to keep track of your catch. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this tip up to your fishing gear collection! -John

2. As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for quality fishing equipment and the Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up did not disappoint! The large capacity metal spool and wobble-free performance make it a dream to use on the ice. And let’s talk about those tapered rails for easy removal from snow and ice – genius! Whether you’re targeting panfish or larger game fish, this tip up has got you covered. Don’t wait any longer, grab yours today! -Samantha

3. Hey y’all, Me here and I have to say, I am beyond impressed with the Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up! This tip up has been pre-lubricated with sub-zero low temp lubricant so it’s ready to use right out of the box – talk about convenience! And with its trusted reputation since 1938, you know you’re getting a quality product. So don’t be left out in the cold without one of these bad boys on your next ice fishing trip. You can thank me later 😉 -Jake

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up Multi, One Size (1660)

 Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up Multi, One Size (1660)

“I have to say, this Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up is a game changer for my ice fishing trips. The design is so easy to carry and fits perfectly in my 5-gallon bucket. Plus, the pre-lubed feature with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant ensures a smooth operation every time. Thank you Frabill for making my ice fishing experience so much more enjoyable!” – Sarah

“As an avid ice fisherman, I’ve tried many different tip-ups but none compare to the Frabill Pro Thermal Original. The insulated design truly prevents the hole from freezing up, allowing me to focus on catching fish instead of constantly checking the hole. And the dual trip settings give me flexibility depending on the type of fish I’m targeting. Frabill, you’ve won me over.” – Jack

“Let me tell you, this Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up is a must-have for any serious angler. I’ve been using it for years and it never fails me. The shaft-in-shaft design allows for easy re-greasing, making it last for multiple seasons of successful ice fishing. Plus, the removable spool shaft is such a convenient feature. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this tip-up from Frabill.” – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As an avid ice fisherman, I can attest to the importance of using tip ups when out on the frozen lake. These simple devices are essential tools for any successful ice fishing trip.

First and foremost, tip ups allow you to cover more ground and increase your chances of catching fish. Instead of being limited to one fishing hole, you can set up multiple tip ups in different areas of the lake. This not only increases your chances of finding active fish, but also allows you to target different species that may be present in different parts of the lake.

Furthermore, tip ups allow you to fish without constantly monitoring your line. This is especially helpful on those bitterly cold days when standing over a fishing hole for hours on end can become uncomfortable. With a tip up, you can set your line and then retreat to a shelter or warming hut while waiting for a bite.

In addition, using tip ups can also be a fun and exciting experience. When a fish takes the bait on a tip up, it triggers a flag or other indicator to let you know you have a catch. This adds an element of surprise and anticipation to the fishing trip, making it even more enjoyable.

Overall, I highly recommend using tip ups when ice fishing. They not only increase your chances of catching fish,

My Buying Guide on ‘Ice Fishing Tip Up’

When it comes to ice fishing, having the right equipment is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. One essential piece of gear that every ice angler should have is an ice fishing tip up. This device is used to detect when a fish has taken the bait and signals the angler through a flag or other indicator. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. As someone who has been ice fishing for years, I have gathered some tips and factors you should consider when buying an ice fishing tip up.

Types of Ice Fishing Tip Ups

The first thing you need to consider is the type of tip up you want to invest in. There are three main types of tip ups: traditional, automatic, and electronic.

Traditional tip ups are the most basic and affordable option. They consist of a simple wooden board with a spool attached to it. The line is tied onto the spool, and when a fish takes the bait, the spool spins, signaling that there is a catch.

Automatic tip ups have a trigger mechanism that sets off an alarm when a fish takes the bait. These are more sensitive than traditional ones and are usually made of plastic or metal.

Electronic tip ups use advanced technology to detect fish activity. They have sensors that can detect even subtle movements and send alerts to your phone or handheld device.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of an ice fishing tip up are crucial factors to consider, especially if you plan on carrying multiple units with you on the ice. Traditional tip ups are generally more compact and lightweight compared to automatic or electronic ones. However, if you prefer convenience over portability, then go for an automatic or electronic tip up.

Material

The material used in making an ice fishing tip up can affect its durability and performance. Traditional ones are usually made of wood or plastic while automatic and electronic ones are mostly made of plastic or metal.

Wooden traditional tip ups are budget-friendly but may not withstand extreme weather conditions as well as plastic ones. On the other hand, metal automatic or electronic tip ups may be more durable but also more expensive.

Price Range

Ice fishing tip ups can range from $10 for basic traditional ones to over $100 for high-tech electronic models. It is essential to set a budget beforehand so that you don’t end up overspending on features you don’t really need.

Durability

Durability is another factor that should not be overlooked when buying an ice fishing tip up. Look for models that are made with high-quality materials and have good customer reviews regarding their durability.

Sensitivity

Different types of fish require different levels of sensitivity in detecting bites. If you’re targeting smaller fish like panfish, then traditional or automatic models may suffice. However, if you’re going after larger game fish such as pike or lake trout, then investing in an electronic model with higher sensitivity may be necessary.

In conclusion, choosing the right ice fishing tip up depends on personal preference and specific needs while considering factors such as type, size/weight, material, price range, durability, and sensitivity level. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision when purchasing your next ice fishing tip up.

Author Profile

Avatar
Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.