Tip-up rigging???

[jcpmn82]

What is the best way to rig a tip-up for northerns??? Please be as specific as possible(knots, tackle, hooks, weights, size, etc.), I have never rigged one before... Any helpful info. is appreciated!!! Thanks in advance....

[trapperdirk]

A search on " quick strike rigs " on here should get you all the info you can absorb .

TD

[bassmann77]

What I have used that has worked from 18" hammerhandles to my PB at 40" is the following set up:

3/0 treble hook in either red or nickel

30# dacron tip-up line

clear mono leader(look in muskie section of store for the one I am talking about)

2-Plastic D-ring for the blades

Selection of blades in gold or silver (tweak colors depending on lake).

I put the d-rings above the leader. I put two blades on to make it look like there is a few more bait fish around the actual bait and to make it legal to use the treble hook. I tie the leader to the main line using a palomer(sp?)knot. I like using the treble hook because I don't have to wait to set the hook. The hook pretty much sets itself when the fish hits the bait, just feel the weight of the fish and simply lift the fish. I have never had a deep hook set with the treble hook. Most of the hook sets are right in the front of the mouth and it is a easy removal. This set-up is great for northerns. I will use the same basic set-up for walleyes, but will down size the leader and hook.

There is a hundred ways to set-up a tip-up, so I hope this helps.

[TiNK3R]

Very well put Bassmann. I use a swivel to connect the two but I might try the knot (blood knot?) this year and see how she works.

Thank you!

[bassmann77]

The leader that I use has a swivel as part of it. If I was using a mono leader that I made myself, I would use a blood knot. I just don't see the need to make my own leader with what is out in the market. With all of this ice fishing talk, the juices are started to get going.

[jcpmn82]

Why not use a normal wire(metal) leader like for trolling and casting??? That would be easier, right?? And how do you hook your minnows for tip-ups???

[B-man715]

I like to use 40lb sevenstrand and make quick strikes. I use about 18" of leader folded in half with a swivel and crimp. Then a smallish treble (#6) and tiny blade on each end of the "V", secured with crimps.

With this rig you hook the minnow behind the head with one treble, and in front of the tail with the other.

For walleye leader I do the same, but use 12lb floro. (18" with swivel and crimp) then TIE on two small trebles and blades.

I walk to the tip-up and set right away. I'd say hooking percentage is over 90%, with few guthooked fish.

This year I would also like to try circle hooks. Gut hooked fish numbers would be even lower.

[TiNK3R]

I've heard a lot of people swear by the circle hook. I too will be trying that this year as well.