Guys,
been reading alot on the Forums about different gear and tactics for this upcoming season.
One topic that i haven’t read anything about yet is the Tip Downs.
I bought one late last season and it is still new in the package.
Looking to use it this year and also looking for some advice, tactics, etc. on using them.
I know that James did a show that showed them in use and would like to find that as well.
Thanks
Here’s the link to the tip-down show we did and the thread that goes with it.
http://www.idofishing.com/videos/viewvid.php/Number/946591/fpart/all
We have been using Tip Downs for close to 20 years now and they are great for Crappies and Perch. If you look at the ones sold at Fleet Farm called a Sure Strike Tip Down, they are a copy of what we make.
http://www.fleetfarm.com/catalog/product_detail/fishing/ice-fishing/tip-ups/sure-strike-tip-down
Here are the ones we make and have made for many years and a video of my son catching a crappie.
http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad317/cmherrmann/?action=view¤t=fishing032.mp4
I set mine up with Hi-Vis 8# main line and a 3 foot leader of 3# and a#14 Treble hook. We use Crappie minnows as bait.
If you have any other questions about them let me know.
Thanks James. Very informative.
Are they mainly used for Crappies or…..?
Panfish, generally. Gills, crappies and perch.
And from someone that bought them because of James’ video and using them for a couple of year now, they are a blast. I have found that in many cases they work better than most other methods for crappies. And in WI we can use 3 of them. It reminds me of tending tip ups and if you get into a good school of crappies you will run your buns off chasing the biters. Plenty of places to pick them up as well as building your own.
Same deal the time we used them… the tip downs out-fished jig rods by a large margin and the fish caught on the tip-downs ran bigger.
<——————
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! 
Leave your tipups at home, grab a TIPDOWN!
You will have to clean the holes fairly often in freezing weather, but one of the things we quickly discovered that is when you clean the holes give the line a little jiggle or lift. Very often that little movement of the minnow will trigger a bite.
I have had days when fishing with 3 Tip Downs in a small triangle formation and I could not keep up with them. I would end up with all 3 poles on the ice with fish on before I could get them baited and back down the hole.
Hey Nutz,
I’m heading through your neck of the woods during the holidays. How about you hook me up with a couple of those. I’m payin’!
I built 2 of them late last season and tried them out. Worked….but I missed most of the fish. What size treble do you all recommend? My problem was a slow day and getting to far away from the tip downs.
we always use a #6 gold hook with a split shot about 12″ up from that. my dad and i had incredible luck last year up north using them for jumbo perch. we probably caught 75 perch ranging 9-11 inches in 2 days last year just on tip downs. its extremely fun, it was raining the one day so we just sat in the shack and watched the tip downs and ran out when one went down. 
I prefer a #14 Mustad Treble and bend them out just a little to open the gap and improve hookset. You really need to get there as it is tipping or just after it hits bottom. Once they feel the pressure Crappies tend to spit the minnow.
TPetey PM sent, I will have a few ready for you just let me know how many, I’m getting low and have to build again.
Nutz,
Thanks for the PM. Sent one back. If you are interested, I have some buddies that would like a few as well. If Nutz wants to build some more, I’d be happy to pick them up for you guys down in the LaCrosse area. We can work out the details later…
Made these up last night for CPetey.
Quote:
Made these up last night for CPetey.
What brand and length of rod do you recommend?
Thanks Nutz! Can’t wait to get them! I plan to be there early in the week of Christmas.
Quote:
Quote:
Made these up last night for CPetey.
What brand and length of rod do you recommend?
I use the HT rods in 28″ You can use the 24 or 25″ but I like the little extra length. You can also use the plastic handle ones if you want.
WOO! You’re in my new town. Might have to pick up a couple after Christmas. Any maybe meet someone new! 
Quote:
WOO! You’re in my new town. Might have to pick up a couple after Christmas. Any maybe meet someone new!
If you want to do a little fishing and do not know the area let me know I will put you on some fish.
Sweet. I’ll drop u a line sometime.
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