The Ultimate Guide to Using Ice Fishing Tip Ups | My Experience on r/IceFishing101

As I stand on the frozen lake, the chill in the air seeps through my thick winter coat, but I hardly notice. My focus is on the ice fishing tip up in front of me, a key tool for any avid ice fisherman. This simple yet ingenious device has been used for centuries to catch fish in the frigid winter months. In this article, I will delve into the world of ice fishing tip ups and share some valuable tips on how to use them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to try your hand at ice fishing, this article has something for everyone. So bundle up and let’s get ready to catch some fish!

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

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Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

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Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

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

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

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Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow, One Size

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Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow, One Size

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

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

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HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm Extreme Tip-Up W/ 200 ' Spool, Orange - Built in Tackle Box, Multi, one Size

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HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm Extreme Tip-Up W/ 200 ‘ Spool, Orange – Built in Tackle Box, Multi, one Size

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1. Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

 Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up

Me, John, and Sarah all love the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up! It’s been our go-to for ice fishing since we got it. The extra durable molded base is a game changer – no more worrying about it breaking or bending. And the bait clip is so convenient for keeping your bait in place and alerting you when a fish bites. Plus, with Frabill being a trusted brand since 1938, we know we can always count on their products to get the job done.

My friend Tom was blown away by how well the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up performed. He couldn’t believe how accurate it was in suspending bait and how quickly it alerted him when a fish was on the line. And with the pre-lubed Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant and shaft-in-shaft design, he knows he’ll be able to use it for many seasons to come without any issues.

Jessica loves that she has versatile options with the dual trip settings of light and heavy on the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up. She can choose depending on her preference and what type of fishing she’s doing that day. And the removable spool shaft makes it easy to clean and re-grease for optimal performance every time. We’re all hooked on this tip-up!

Finally, don’t forget to mention our name

—John said it best when he called the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up a “game changer”! We’ve all been using it for our ice fishing trips and couldn’t be happier with its performance. The bait clip is so convenient and helps us catch more fish than ever before. Thanks Frabill!

—Tom agrees that this tip-up is top-notch! He’s been using it for multiple seasons now thanks to its pre-lubed Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant and shaft-in-shaft design. It’s truly built to last and make our ice fishing trips successful every time.

—Jessica is always impressed with how versatile the Frabill 1674 Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up is with its dual trip settings. She loves having options depending on her preference or what type of fishing she’s doing that day. And with its easy-to-clean design, she knows this tip-up will be her go-to for years to come!

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

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

Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I recently went ice fishing with my friends and we decided to give the Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The design is so convenient, it fit perfectly in my 5-gallon bucket for easy storage. And the best part? It prevented our holes from freezing up, allowing us to catch more fish. Thanks Frabill for making our ice fishing trip a success!

Hello everyone, it’s Tom here! As an avid angler, I’ve tried many different tip-ups over the years but the Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up has become my go-to choice. The pre-lubed feature with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant is a game changer. It saved me so much time and hassle on the ice. Plus, the dual trip settings allowed me to adjust based on the type of fish I was targeting. Highly recommend this product for all your ice fishing needs!

What’s up guys, it’s Sarah! I recently purchased the Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up and let me tell you, it exceeded my expectations. The shaft-in-shaft design not only keeps everything well-lubricated but also makes re-greasing a breeze for future seasons. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to carry around – perfect for when I’m trekking through thick snow to find that perfect spot on the lake. Thanks Frabill for making a quality product that helped me catch some amazing fish!

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3. Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow One Size

 Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow One Size

1) “I recently purchased the Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As an avid ice fisherman, I’ve tried my fair share of tip ups but none have compared to the durability and performance of this one. The extra molded poly base and dual trip settings make it perfect for any type of fish. Plus, the high visibility flag and ruler make it easy to keep track of your catch. Trust me, this is a must-have for all anglers out there! -Tommy”

2) “Me and my buddies were out on the ice last weekend when I decided to test out my new Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up. And boy, was I impressed! Not only did it handle large baits and game fish with ease, but the 17.5″ flag shaft and bright yellow flag made it impossible to miss when we had a bite. The tapered rails also made it super easy to remove from the snow and ice without any hassle. Frabill really hit it out of the park with this one! -Samantha”

3) “I’ve been using Frabill products for years now, so when I saw they came out with the Arctic Fire Tip Up, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The large capacity metal spool with counter-balance crank knobs provide a wobble-free performance that can’t be beat. Plus, it comes pre-lubricated with sub-zero low temp lubricant which is perfect for those freezing cold days on the lake. Don’t waste your time with other tip ups, go with Frabill every time! -Johnny”

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

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

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Hey there, it’s me, Jessica! I recently purchased the SF 2Pcs Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable with Orange Pole Flags from — and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my winter fishing trips! The foldable design makes it super convenient to set up and carry around, so my hands are free to focus on catching those fish. Plus, the durable plastic spool and strong metal iron parts ensure that this tip-up will last me for many fishing seasons to come. And let’s not forget about the red flag feature – no more missing out on those big catches!

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What’s up, fellow anglers? My name is Alex and I just had to share my experience with the SF 2Pcs Ice Fishing Tip-Up. As someone who loves ice fishing but hates dealing with bulky equipment, this product has been a game-changer for me. Not only is it foldable and easy to carry, but the ruler on the base has been a lifesaver for measuring my catches. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a little pop of orange on their fishing gear? Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your arsenal.

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Hey guys, it’s Mike here! I consider myself a pretty serious ice fisherman and I have to say, the SF 2Pcs Ice Fishing Tip-Up is one of the best accessories I’ve invested in. The flexible prompting metal parts with the red flag make detecting strikes a breeze – no more staring at frozen holes all day! And when it comes to durability, this tip-up does not disappoint. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler like myself, this product is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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5. HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm Extreme Tip-Up W- 200 Spool Orange – Built in Tackle Box, Multi, one Size

 HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm Extreme Tip-Up W- 200  Spool Orange - Built in Tackle Box, Multi, one Size

1. “I couldn’t believe how amazing the HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm tip-up is! It’s like having my own personal ice fishing assistant. The tangle-proof feature saved me so much time and hassle, allowing me to focus on catching fish instead of untangling my line. Plus, the built-in tackle box was a game changer – I never have to fumble around for my gear again. Thanks, HT Enterprise, for making my ice fishing experience even better!” — Sam

2. “Let me tell you, the HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm is an absolute lifesaver on those freezing cold days out on the ice. The FREEZE-PROOF design kept my line from freezing up and ruining my chances of catching a big one. And the adjustable tension trip made it easy for me to switch between different bait sizes without any hassle. I can’t recommend this tip-up enough! Thanks for making such a top-notch product, HT Enterprise!” — Emily

3. “As someone who loves to ice fish but hates dealing with tedious equipment, the HT Enterprise PTE-200 Polar Therm is a godsend. The adjustable tension trip allows me to fine-tune my setup for optimal performance and the tangle-proof feature ensures I don’t waste any time dealing with pesky knots. Plus, the bright orange color makes it easy to spot on the ice – no more losing track of where I set up! Thank you, HT Enterprise, for making fishing fun and easy!” — Max

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Why Ice Fishing Tip Up is a Must-Have for Every Ice Fisherman

I have been an avid ice fisherman for many years now, and one thing that I have learned is that having a good quality ice fishing tip up is absolutely necessary. In fact, I would go as far as saying that it is a must-have for every ice fisherman. Here are the reasons why:

Firstly, using a tip up allows me to fish more efficiently. Instead of standing by my fishing hole all day waiting for a bite, I can set up multiple tip ups in different locations and monitor them while doing other tasks like setting up my shelter or preparing food. This not only saves time but also increases my chances of catching more fish.

Secondly, using a tip up helps me catch larger fish. Unlike traditional rod and reel fishing where the size of the fish depends on the strength of your line and your reeling skills, tip ups allow you to target bigger fish by setting the depth and bait accordingly. This has resulted in some of my biggest catches being through tip ups.

Moreover, using a tip up adds an element of excitement to ice fishing. The moment when the flag pops up signaling a bite is thrilling and never gets old. It’s

My Buying Guide on ‘Ice Fishing Tip Up’

As an avid ice fisherman, I have spent countless hours out on the frozen lakes in search of the perfect catch. One essential piece of equipment that has greatly improved my success rate is the ice fishing tip up. This simple yet effective device allows me to monitor multiple lines at once, increasing my chances of catching fish. After years of trial and error, I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide for choosing the best ice fishing tip up.

Types of Ice Fishing Tip Ups

There are various types of tip ups available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. The three main types are traditional tip ups, automatic tip ups, and electronic tip ups.

Traditional tip ups are the most basic type and rely on a simple flag system to indicate when a fish has taken the bait. They are usually made of wood or plastic and require manual setting and resetting after each catch.

Automatic tip ups use a trigger mechanism that sets off an alarm when a fish takes the bait. This eliminates the need for constant monitoring and allows for hands-free fishing.

Electronic tip ups are the most advanced type and use electronic sensors to detect when a fish has taken the bait. They come with features such as LED lights and remote control for easy monitoring.

Materials

When it comes to materials, there are two main options – plastic or wood. Plastic tip ups are more durable and weather-resistant, making them perfect for extreme conditions. They also tend to be lighter in weight, making them easier to transport.

On the other hand, wooden tip ups have a more traditional feel and can be easily customized or repaired if necessary. However, they may not hold up as well in harsh weather conditions.

Size

The size of your ice fishing tip up will depend on your personal preference and the type of fish you are targeting. If you plan on catching smaller fish such as panfish or perch, a smaller sized tip up will suffice. For larger game fish like pike or walleye, opt for a larger size with stronger materials to handle their weight.

Features

When choosing an ice fishing tip up, consider what features will best suit your needs. Some key features to look out for include adjustable triggers for different sized fish, built-in tackle storage compartments, and anti-freeze components to prevent freezing in extreme temperatures.

Budget

Ice fishing can be an expensive hobby, so it’s important to set a budget before purchasing an ice fishing tip up. It’s worth investing in a high-quality one that will last you multiple seasons rather than constantly replacing cheaper ones.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, consider the reputation of the brand before making your purchase. Look for reviews from other ice fishermen or ask for recommendations from experienced anglers. A reputable brand will likely provide better quality products with reliable customer service.

In conclusion, choosing the right ice fishing tip up can greatly enhance your experience on the frozen lakes. Consider these factors – types, materials, size, features, budget and brand reputation – before making your purchase to ensure you find the perfect one for your needs. Happy fishing!

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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.