Wow,
Where to start. First off, I consider myself a tip-up specialist. It is by far my favorite way to fish in the winter. I have used just about every tip-up on the market, and I have to say the new Frabill Thermal tip-up is the best I have used. All things considered all tips are composed of the same thing; flag, frame, spool, trip mechanism, etc.. Here are all the things I consider when I pick out a tip-up. First, how freely does the spool spin, no resistence at all is key. Second, how much range does the trip mechanism have, from super light for crappies to ultra heavy for 8″-10″ suckers. Third, would be added features, hook keepers, flag extensions, can it hold a light, etc..
So down to brass tax, why do I like the Frabil Thermal over other tips. The best feature that it has is that it completely covers the hole. On windy days that will keep blowing snow out of the hole, and cold days (which pretty much all of them are) the foam insulation keeps the hole from getting much more a skim of ice on it (which is huge). I used to use the rectangular framed Polar tips and take carpet remnants cut into 2′ x 2′ sections to cover the hole. It works but hauling wet or frozen carpet around is a bit of a hassle. As far as features, there is a small compartment on the top that a hook and leader fit nicely into, so no snags or tangles. When folded up you can stack the tips on top of each other in a five gallon bucket perfectly. The spool is ultra free, and remains that way in all temps, something I have tested on Red down to -30 degrees.
As far as rigging your tip, this is how I do it. I use 20# dacron line in green or black, it has no memory and the lower poundage allows the bait to move freely. I would stay away from the plastic coated stuff just because it coils up so bad when it comes off the spool. I always run some type of leader off my dacron. If the lake I am on offers opportunity for bass as well as pike I use 3′ of 20# flourocarbon tied off to a swivel. If I know I am going for big pike, I use a 18″ 60# Berkley Big Game steel leader. If I am setting for walleyes, crappies or perch I use anywhere from a 4# to 8# flouro lead again tied to a swivel.
As far as hooks and bait, I run a few different rigs. My favorite to date is #2, 1/0, or 2/0 red Gamagatsu treble. In MN you can’t fish just a treble so I run a super small spinner above the hook to make it legal. Usually silver, or red plastic. I like to fish hooks that seem a little small for the bait, it lets the bait move more naturally. For instance a #2 is good for up to a 6″ shiner. For walleyes and panfish I usually opt for some type of jig, usually glow, and a lively minnow. For walleyes usually a shiner or redtail.
I have to go back to work right now but, I will add to this post later as to a strategy for targeting different species with tips in conjunction with rod and reel set ups.
Hope this helps for now, I’ll check back later.
