Finicky Fooler tip up system

CaptainMusky wrote:

I just ordered 2 with the 6 gallon bucket over the weekend. They arrived yesterday. I havent used them yet, but was doing dry runs in the house. They are super simple to setup, not sure how anyone could say they are complicated, way easier than other systems.
The one thing I wonder about is when the flag does pop, and you go to remove the insulating foam disc, how hard is that to get out? Seems fine in the house, but outside might be a different story.

Not hard at all to get out, pretty easy. One mod I did with the cover with the slit for your line being so small was to take the black plug out and wrap about 4 layers of electrical tape around it to make it wider and give a little more gap. Haven’t had a fish feel me when removing the cover before setting the hook yet.

I absolutely love using them. I’ve got 6″ walleye and perch on them up to mid 30″ pike and mid 20″ walleye. Just have to adjust your tension to the bait you are using. I won’t even fish with normal tip ups anymore. Plus the owner is local to central Wisconsin and is a hell of a nice guy!

If you’ve got the hooksetter option just make sure you set it up for a specific rod and use it with that one, you do need to adjust them a bit depending on what you are using for a rod. I label the two hooksetters I’ve got for the rod I have them adjusted to and have had no problems once I had it set up right.

I like them as well. Only used it for one weekend but I liked it MUCH more than the ifishpro. With that said, I wish the flag was a lot stronger. My flag somehow snapped while sitting in the upright position. Now its all frayed and I’m unable to insert it back into the base. Hopefully Joes will take it back and get me a new one.

Jordan Weiler wrote:

If you’ve got the hooksetter option just make sure you set it up for a specific rod and use it with that one, you do need to adjust them a bit depending on what you are using for a rod. I label the two hooksetters I’ve got for the rod I have them adjusted to and have had no problems once I had it set up right.

Just to mention the “jaw-jacker” type setups are not legal in MN, but are allowed in WI.

Maybe you knew and perhaps other readers knew, but figured it good to remind for those that maybe were unaware.

And another reason to fish WI is they allow 3 lines year ’round if that’s your fancy.

Just to mention the “jaw-jacker” type setups are not legal in MN, but are allowed in WI.

Maybe you knew and perhaps other readers knew, but figured it good to remind for those that maybe were unaware.

And another reason to fish WI is they allow 3 lines year ’round if that’s your fancy.

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You are correct. Thanks for the heads up for some other people who may not be aware. Definitely nice having the option for either way. I will use the hooksetter for trout but most other stuff I just run the regular way(in Wisconsin). These are a great option for people who may fish in Wisconsin and Minnesota during the year. When I went to Red Lake I was just able to not use the hooksetter part and just use like a normal tip up. Nice having one device that can do that. If you fish only in Minnesota just don’t buy the hooksetter part and you’re good to go!

Are these only available through their website?

Joel W Taylor wrote:

Are these only available through their website?

No but that may be one of the easier ways to get them. If you do buy a couple extra flags. It’s the one part of the system that won’t stand up to abuse.

Now where did I put my flags for my Foolers Getting stuff ready for the season and can’t remember where I put them.

Love mine!!!

that was last season on Onalaska

I did find that using a heavier rod with less tip flex means more adjustability and consistency of the flag tip arm. I made the mistake of using that custom rod I built which was more a deadstick, slow/moderate action with light tip and a ton of backbone. I had some perch hit and hook w/o tripping the flag on the lightest setting – the rod was absorbing the pull instead of the line tripping the arm.

I have a 32″ carbon based build I’m working on now which will be my walleye jigging rod and fooler tip up rod

Joel W Taylor wrote:

Are these only available through their website?

Scheels in Eau Claire, WI has them. I would assume other locations would carry them, but best to contact them to confirm.