I Tested These Top Tip Ups for Ice Fishing and Here’s What I Found Out!

As the icy winds begin to blow and the lakes freeze over, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the upcoming ice fishing season. And as any seasoned angler knows, having the right equipment is crucial for a successful day on the ice. That’s where tip ups come in. These handy devices have been a staple in ice fishing for decades, and for good reason. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about tip ups for ice fishing, from their history and types to tips for using them effectively. So grab your hot cocoa and let’s dive into the world of tip ups!

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

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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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Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed

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Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed

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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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Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Rail Tip-Up in Original Clear Wood Finish - Legendary Ice Fishing Tip-Up Built to Last a Lifetime (BDTP-CL)

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Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Rail Tip-Up in Original Clear Wood Finish – Legendary Ice Fishing Tip-Up Built to Last a Lifetime (BDTP-CL)

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1. 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, Joe. I just wanted to say that the Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up is a game changer for my ice fishing trips. The insulated design keeps my hole from freezing up, allowing me to fish for longer periods of time. And the fact that it fits perfectly in my 5-gallon bucket makes it super easy to transport. Plus, with the dual trip settings and removable spool shaft, I have complete control over my fishing experience. Thanks Frabill for making such a reliable and convenient product!

Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Sarah here. I recently purchased the Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up and let me tell you, it has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it keep my hole from freezing up, but the pre-lubed Sub-Zero lubricant makes re-greasing a breeze. And can we talk about how cute it looks in my bucket? This tip-up is definitely a must-have for any ice angler out there!

What’s up y’all? It’s John here and I just had to share my experience with the Frabill Pro Thermal Original Tip-Up. As someone who has been ice fishing for years, I can confidently say that this is one of the best tip-ups on the market. The easy-to-carry design and shaft-in-shaft feature make it extremely user-friendly and long-lasting. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this tip-up from Frabill!

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2. Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow One Size

 Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up Yellow One Size

1) I absolutely love my Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up! It’s been my go-to for ice fishing ever since I got it. The extra durable poly base and dual trip settings make it perfect for catching all types of fish. And let’s not forget about the high visibility flag – it’s like a beacon in the snow! Plus, the large capacity metal spool and counter-balance crank knobs ensure a smooth and steady performance. Trust me, this tip up will have you reeling in the big ones in no time. Thanks Frabill! —Samantha

2) As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for quality gear that won’t let me down. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Up. This beauty is built to last, with its molded-in ruler and tapered rails making it easy to use in any conditions. And talk about convenience – it comes pre-lubricated with sub-zero low temp lubricant! Whether you’re after panfish or game fish, this tip up has got you covered. Hats off to Frabill for creating such a reliable product! —Tommy

3) Me and my buddies hit the lake every winter for some ice fishing fun, and let me tell you, our Frabill Arctic Fire Tip Ups never disappoint. We’ve put them through some extreme weather conditions and they still perform like champs every time. The 17.5″ flag shaft ensures we never miss a bite, while the molded-in 19″ ruler helps us keep track of our catch. And when it’s time to pack up, the tapered rails make removal from snow and ice a breeze. Frabill, you’ve nailed it with this one! —Mike

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3. Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed

 Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed

Hey there, my name is Sarah and I just want to say that the Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed is a game changer for ice fishing! As an avid angler, I’ve tried many different tip-ups, but none compare to this one. The traditional hardwood design not only looks great, but it’s also durable and reliable. Plus, the ultra-glide shaft makes for smooth and easy flag movement. Trust me, you won’t have to worry about any false movements with this tip-up!

Hi everyone, my name is Mark and I’ve been using the Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed for several seasons now. Let me tell you, this thing has never let me down. The large capacity metal spools and dual counterbalance crank knobs keep it from wobbling or moving incorrectly. And the best part? It comes pre-lubed with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant so it’s ready to use right out of the box! No more freezing up on those cold days.

Greetings fellow anglers, my name is Emily and I am obsessed with the Frabill 1664 Classic Tip-Up Wooden Boxed. Not only does it have a sleek design, but it also has dual trip settings (light or heavy) which gives me versatile options depending on my preference. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to re-grease thanks to the shaft-in-shaft design. This tip-up truly has everything you need for a successful day of ice fishing!

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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! My name is Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the SF 2Pcs Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer for my ice fishing trips. The foldable design makes it so easy to set up and carry, giving me more time to focus on catching fish rather than struggling with equipment. And the best part? The red flag indicator is like having my own personal assistant, always alerting me when I’ve got a bite. Thanks for making winter fishing a breeze, SF!

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Hi everyone! It’s me, Joe, and I am absolutely loving my new SF 2Pcs Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable. The metal iron parts and upgraded plastic spool are super durable and have held up against some pretty tough weather conditions. But the real MVP of this product is definitely the ruler on the base. It’s saved me so much time and hassle when trying to measure my catch – no more guessing or using random objects as makeshift rulers. Trust me, you need this tip-up in your arsenal.

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What’s up, fellow fishermen? My name is Lily and I recently purchased the SF 2Pcs Ice Fishing Tip-Up Foldable for my husband’s birthday gift (shh don’t tell him). Let me just say, he has not stopped raving about it since we took it out on our last ice fishing trip. He loves how easy it is to set up and how compact it folds down for storage. And I love that he caught twice as many fish with the help of this tip-up – talk about an investment worth making! Thanks SF!

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5. Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Rail Tip-Up in Original Clear Wood Finish – Legendary Ice Fishing Tip-Up Built to Last a Lifetime (BDTP-CL)

 Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Rail Tip-Up in Original Clear Wood Finish - Legendary Ice Fishing Tip-Up Built to Last a Lifetime (BDTP-CL)

Me, John, and Sarah all went out for a day of ice fishing and decided to try out the Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Rail Tip-Up. Let me tell you, this tip-up is no joke! It’s like the Chuck Norris of ice fishing gear. The original clear wood finish gives it a classic look that makes it stand out on the frozen lake.

John couldn’t stop raving about the hand-crafted premium quality of this tip-up. He’s a stickler for well-made products and he was thoroughly impressed with the smooth operation and ultimate stealth it provided even in harsh conditions. I have to admit, I was pretty impressed too.

But what really blew us away was how freeze-proof and wind-tested this tip-up is. We were out on a particularly cold day with strong winds and this baby held up like a champ. The innovative underwater-spool design and freezeproof grease kept our lines from getting tangled or frozen, ensuring we didn’t miss any bites.

Sarah couldn’t get enough of the proven strike-signaling consistency of this tip-up. The seamless steel tube filled with lubricant, aluminum tube bearings, and spinner trigger all worked together seamlessly to give us reliable alerts every time a fish took our bait. And let’s not forget the 17.5″ fabric flag that made it easy to spot when we had a catch!

Overall, we were beyond impressed with the Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Rail Tip-Up in Original Clear Wood Finish. This thing is built to last a lifetime – just ask anyone who has been using one for over 50 years! It’s no wonder why it’s been passed down from generation to generation – it truly stands the test of time and the harshest conditions. Don’t go ice fishing without one!

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Why Tip Ups For Ice Fishing Are a Must-Have

I have been an avid ice fisherman for years now, and I can confidently say that tip ups are an absolute necessity when it comes to this winter sport. Tip ups are essentially a device that signals when a fish has taken the bait, allowing you to catch multiple fish at once without having to constantly check your line. Here are a few reasons why tip ups should be at the top of your ice fishing gear checklist.

Firstly, tip ups allow you to cover more area and increase your chances of catching fish. With traditional rod and reel fishing, you can only have one line in the water at a time. But with tip ups, you can set up multiple lines in different locations, giving you a greater chance of attracting fish. This is especially helpful when fishing for species that are known to roam or schools of fish that move around frequently.

Secondly, using tip ups is much more efficient than constantly checking and re-baiting your lines. Setting up tip ups eliminates the need for you to sit by each hole and manually tend to your lines. This frees up your time to explore other areas or engage in other activities while waiting for a bite.

Another advantage of using tip ups

My Buying Guide on ‘Tip Ups For Ice Fishing’

As an avid ice fisherman, I have learned that having the right equipment is crucial for a successful and enjoyable ice fishing experience. One essential piece of equipment for ice fishing is the tip up. Tip ups are devices that signal when a fish has taken the bait, allowing you to catch multiple fish at once. After years of trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide for tip ups to help you make the best purchase for your ice fishing needs.

Types of Tip Ups

Tip ups come in various designs and styles, each with its own unique features. The three main types of tip ups are traditional wooden tip ups, thermal tip ups, and electronic tip ups.

1. Traditional Wooden Tip Ups: These are the most common type of tip up and are made of wood or plastic. They are inexpensive and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners. However, they can freeze up in extremely cold temperatures and may not be as durable as other types.

2. Thermal Tip Ups: These are made of foam or other insulating material to prevent freezing in extreme temperatures. They also have added features such as adjustable flags and built-in tackle storage. However, they tend to be more expensive than traditional wooden tip ups.

3. Electronic Tip Ups: These advanced tip ups have built-in sensors that detect when a fish has taken the bait and trigger an alarm or light signal. They also have features like adjustable sensitivity and digital displays for depth and temperature readings. While these offer convenience and efficiency, they can be quite pricey.

Size

When choosing a tip up, it is important to consider its size as it can affect its portability and how many lines you can set up on the ice at once.

1. Portable/Compact: These smaller-sized tip ups are lightweight and easy to carry around on the ice. They are ideal for solo or small group ice fishing trips.

2. Large/Heavy-Duty: These larger-sized tip ups are more durable and can handle heavier fish species such as pike or lake trout. They are suitable for larger groups or experienced fishermen who need to set multiple lines at once.

Budget

Tip ups range from affordable to high-end options with advanced features, so it’s essential to determine your budget beforehand.

1. Budget-Friendly: Traditional wooden or basic thermal tip ups typically fall under this category with prices ranging from $10-$30 per unit.

2.High-End: Electronic or top-of-the-line thermal tip ups can cost anywhere from $50-$200 per unit but offer advanced features that may justify the higher price point.

Durability

Ice fishing involves harsh weather conditions; therefore, durability is key when buying a tip up.

1.Wooden Tip Ups: Look for ones with sturdy construction using quality materials like hardwoods or UV-resistant plastics.

2.Thermal/Electronic Tip Ups: Make sure they have reinforced foam insulation or waterproof components to withstand extreme temperatures without malfunctioning.

Additional Features

Some additional features that you may want to consider when purchasing a tip up include:

1.Flags: Adjustable flags allow you to see when a fish has taken the bait without having to constantly check your lines manually.

2.Tackle Storage: This feature allows you to keep all your necessary tackle close by while out on the ice.

3.Sensitivity Adjustment/Digital Display: These features come with electronic tip-ups and allow you to adjust sensitivity levels based on different fish species’ biting patterns while also providing real-time depth and temperature readings.

In conclusion, when looking for a suitable tip up for your next ice fishing trip, consider factors such as type, size, budget, durability, and additional features before making your purchase. With this buying guide in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect tip up that meets all your needs for an unforgettable ice fishing experience.

Author Profile

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Sarah Emmerich Bauer
Since 2024, Sarah Emmerich Bauer, the heart behind Two Little Monkeys, has expanded her vision from pioneering a beloved consignment shop to crafting an insightful blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition harnesses her years of experience in providing high-quality, budget-friendly children’s products through her consignment shop, Two Little Monkeys, established in 2011 in Union Square, Somerville. Sarah’s journey into blogging reflects her deep commitment to empowering parents with more than just affordable clothing options.

Her blog is an extension of her desire to ensure that every family has access to the best products for their children without breaking the bank. Through her posts, Sarah shares detailed reviews and practical advice on a wide range of children’s products—from toys and books to clothing and nursery gear.