[pics]My Home-made tip-up

If you look in the background of these pics, you'll see the type I use. Same as at the rental huts you used. Very effective and have never lost a stick.

one more think guys how far up the line from the spreader would you attach ahook

I use that metal strapping materiel as well on my tip up ,have been for years and never had my stick fall off on a strike. Washout hit it on the nose, if you need to leave the hut for whatever reason ,just slip the pin in one of the holes and it's locked. One thing I have found when fishing out of my portable flip is, shortening the height of the stand . I find it gives me a little more lift to eliminate some of that line stretch when setting the hooks in the portable.

I used to let the spreader sit on the bottom and the tip slightly pointing down but recently keep the spreader about and inch or less off the bottom and adjust the tip to be flat, which one works better ?

Hi James,

I am new to ice fishing and this forum - trying to learn from everyone - you appear to be a very persistent, dedicated and confident fisherman who is not shy about putting it all out there for everyone to see/comment. Glad to see the amount of constructive tips and comments!

Please keep the Board posted on your progress with the tip up - good luck!

4 to 5 feet

What's the advantage of those tip-ups? Why not use a rod and reel on some sort of balance rig such as what was posted on here not long ago?

Hi All,
I'm new to this type of fishing and was wondering what is the best way of hooking the minows on the spreader?

The advantage is this system works quite well when used properly.

Also, some of us, well me anyhow love the direct feel/contact of hand bombing a fish.nothing like it

if you are refering to attaching a spreader to a rod/reel combo and using that as the balance point, that also works, but not as well with super lite bites and will not rock back and forth as easily as a proper set wood tip-up which should be made from pine or cedar imo.....not thos heavy ones I see and have tried

Agree with Longshank on this 100%. Nothing like the feel of a fish when you hand bombing a fish up from the depths. Plus you lose the excitement of all the things that can and will go wrong i.e. line caught on zippers, pulling too hard and yanking lure out, not paying attention where your placing the line and realize its on your MR Buddy Heater etc

I so agree

Plus having line encircle your buddies and he's alll excited for naught!, Plenty more examples if hut fishing

One thing you learn quickly is to be very organized if that's possible

aren't we in a pissy mood.

I'm not in a pissy mood. I'm just tired of reading crap that encourages this man to do the wrong things.
He wants to catch a trout/WF.
Let's be honest with him, and give him the proper guidance, not pats on the back......

As for the operators stand.....that is a correct stand. The strapping will hold the stick on a strike, and you can lock the stick into the small hole under the pivot if you have to go outside to relieve yourself.
As for richyb....he is correct. Wood floats.
I had to chase my stick once under the ice with a net, as a 14lb trout ripped it out of my hands. (I was in a perm hut with a big hole) Got the trout though!!!!

Design the stand the same, and get some proper tip up sticks. They make all the difference.......

Your next lesson will be how to properly set it up. :-)

I think I saw that movie, it was called "Grumpy Old Men"