6 Best Ice Fishing Tip Ups
Carla Arbuckle
Tip-up fishing is one of the most common ways to target more abundant species of fish through the ice. A tip-up is used to catch fish using a real bait (live or dead) at the desired depth without having to hold a rod in your hand.
Now the hard question is, which tip-ups offer the best fishing experience?
Like any outdoor sport, you’ll need the right tool and the understanding of how to use that equipment. Now that technology creates almost everything, tip-ups are also crafted with high-quality material that can withstand longer fishing at any weather conditions. Most of them are very light in weight yet strong and durable. They are also pre-lubed with sub-zero low-temperature lubricants and have removable spool shaft so you can re-grease it whenever you like.
Unlike other tip-ups, the ones we have listed are highly-sensitive because it reacts to every nibble and tag underwater. This is very helpful to fishers as it is the only way they will know that they catch something. Plus, there are different kinds of tip-ups to choose from: pro-thermal, brass and hardwood are popular choices. Once you have the tip up of your choice, your fishing trip would be so much fun.
6 Best Ice Fishing Tip Ups
Frabill Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up
The Frabill Blackhawk Assault Tip-Up is equipped with durable materials and a molded base to help anglers of all levels catch their desired fish. It has a bait clip feature and pre-filled with Sub-Zero low-temperature lubricant.
The spool shaft of this tip-up is removable, which allows you to re-grease when needed. It is very light, which only weighs 11.2 ounces, perfect for carrying on your fishing trips.
Pros
- Durable
- Available in multi-color
- Convenient
- Durable
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- This tip-up is not corrosion-resistant.
Our Take
I like this kind of tip-up. It is more comfortable and convenient to use than the wooden ones. When it is cold, it simply works. This particular model is very straightforward and easy to use. It has a robust bottom ensuring you that it will last many more ice fishing seasons to come. It does come pre-filled with a sub-zero temperature grease to ensure that it will go off every time.
Brocraft Ice Fishing Tip-Ups
The Brocraft Ice Fishing Tip-Ups are light and weigh only 15.5 ounces. They are equipped with durable materials that allow you to fish with multiple rod and reel combos at one time.
Brocraft like a traditional tip-up but is well-made and lighter. Now it comes with a flag that signals the strike.
This tip-up is also affordable and budget-friendly. However, the bobber kit is not included.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Well-made
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The clips may not release well in really cold weather condition.
Our Take
The Brocraft Tip-up is straightforward and lightweight. It is sensitive enough to react to every nibble. The tip of the pole quickly moves and jumps in to set the hook. The flag sets even in the slightest movement. The manufacturer does its job well. Plus, it can withstand the cold, and the flag doesn’t freeze in the hole. The Brocraft is a nice tip-up for ice fishing.
Frabill 1662 Tip-Up Pro Thermo Blk Rtf
The Frabill 1662 Tip-Up Pro Thermo Blk Rtf is designed to catch fish faster than the traditional ones. It is insulated and coated with highly-durable material to secure and protect its insulation. The flag extends to 20" and very responsive to every nibble, and strike it encounters.
It has a removable spool shaft so fishers can clean and re-lubricate the device easily. The dual strip settings allow anglers to set the desired tension needed to lure fish quickly.
If you purchase the item, you will also get the ready to fish gears such as line, depth finder, line markers, and a #1677 Lil' Shiner Tip-Up Light.
Pros
- Insulated
- Responsive
- Durable
- Lightweight
- It comes with bonus fishing kit
Cons
- The only disadvantage is the depth droppers clasp -- it is weak, and it will not stay on the hook unless you thread the hook through the springs.
Our Take
I recommend the Frabill 1662 to all fishers and anglers who want to experience high-value tip up without spending too much. This tip-up is way better than the traditional ones because once you figure out all the tricks to setting it (sliding the spool down through the body after tilting it down into the water), your fishing trip would be fun. The included line markers and weight are useful, and the storage vessel is handy.
I recommend this tip-up for ice fishing because it beats the cold away. The spool is fluent in letting the line out, and the whole mechanism is responsive to any hit from the fish.
Another useful feature of this device is that you can adjust it for big or small fish, which is perfect for bigger lakes and wider fishing spots.
Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up
The Frabill Arctic Fire Tip-Up has a brilliant neon green color and weighs only 14.9 ounces. The base is poly-molded, designed to last longer in low-level temperatures. It has a tapered rail structure so that fishers can remove it easily from the ice.
Molded-in 19" ruler for fish measurement, and it comes with a full metal spool that is pre-lubed with sub-zero lubrication. The tip-up also has a dual trip mechanism to set your desired tension, whether you target bigger or smaller fishes. With a removable spool shaft, you can clean and re-lubricate it so it would last longer.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to set-up
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor flags positioning. It is placed halfway up, 6 inches higher than the set location, which looks like you've caught a fish. The flag should sit lower.
Our Take
The Frabill tip-up looks excellent and durable. The manufacturer designed the spool in brass instead of cheap plastic or steel. The problem with steel spool is known to many anglers; it will eventually rust if not maintained or appropriately handled. But this one steps up the game!
I would recommend this product to anyone who is thinking about fishing the hard water. It is well made and can withstand wind and colder weather. Plus, I like the extra little touches, such as multiple settings and being able to tuck the flag away for storage easily.
Clam Artic Warrior Tip Up
The Clam Artic Warrior Tip-Up is ultra-lightweight and easy to carry. Its dimensions are 14.8 x 5.2 x 1 inches, and it weighs only 1.7 pounds.
To step up your fishing experience, Clam Artic saves your time with this new device that allows you to set your fishing rod on the tip-up. Now, you will never get tired again of Using Tip-ups with a hand over hand retrieve.
Pros
- Well-constructed
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- Easy to set-up
- Affordable
Cons
- The rod may hard to balance and may not stay in place. The Velcro in which to attach the bracket to the rod will not work appropriately on windy condition. It will be hard to secure the rod.
Our Take
I love the concept of fighting a fish on a rod. It saves time and effort, unlike those tiring hand over hand retrieves. Also, the overall performance of the device is excellent.
The tip-up itself is well-constructed and durable. Plus, the rod makes fishing in the icy cold weather easier once you get the weight and rod balanced. This tip-up is a perfect gift for your friends and loved ones who love ice fishing.
Tip: don't wrap the line around the flag, loop it. Wrapping it around the flag makes it get tangled.
HT Enterprise Husky Deluxe Tip Up
The Husky Tip-Up has a deluxe wood frame that is solid and polyurethane coated for protection against the water. The product dimensions are 3.2 x 4 x 25.2 inches and weigh only 1.4 pounds. It features a smooth flow of 200' metal spool that spins freely underwater and in sub-zero conditions, which is imperative to catch fish. It comes with a wind tip-free wire with dual settings, guaranteed against freeze-up.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Frost-resistant
- Easy to set-up
- Comes with easy-lock line guide
- Solid
Cons
- The only con is the price. It is a little bit expensive.
Our Take
"The Husky Wooden Tip-Up offers dependable lunker-landing performance year after year without freeze-up." This tip-up is what the product description claims, and it seems to be a true statement.
So far, the smoothest tip-ups in the market and are also essential for Trout fishing. There is no "jerk" in the line when fish hit, which is a common problem with poor quality tip-ups. But this Husky Tip-up answers that problem.
Plus, it features a premium wooden frame, 200' capacity easy-flow metal spool, quick-lock line guide for stress-free set-up, and a deluxe tripwire. Based on the positive reviews, I would recommend this to anyone.
