10 best ice fishing tip ups

Ice fishing tip-ups are devices used in ice fishing, a popular outdoor recreational activity. These devices are related to fishing and hunting within the broader context of sports, fitness, and the outdoors. Here's what you need to know about ice fishing tip-ups:

  1. Purpose: Ice fishing tip-ups are primarily used to catch fish through the ice-covered surfaces of frozen lakes and ponds. They allow anglers to suspend baited lines below the ice and detect when a fish takes the bait.

  2. Design: Tip-ups consist of a horizontal, buoyant platform that floats on the water's surface beneath the ice. A vertical rod or flag is attached to this platform. The rod holds the fishing line and is set in a way that when a fish bites and pulls on the line, the flag or indicator "tips up" to signal that there's a fish on the line.

  3. Operation: Ice fishing tip-ups are set up by drilling a hole through the ice and placing the device with the baited line in the hole. The line is then lowered to the desired depth.When a fish strikes the bait and exerts force on the line, the flag is tripped, alerting the angler to a potential catch.

  4. Types: There are various types of tip-ups available, including traditional wooden tip-ups and more modern, mechanized versions that use materials like plastic and metal. Some tip-ups have built-in spools to help with line management.

  5. Benefits: Ice fishing tip-ups allow anglers to fish multiple holes simultaneously, increasing the chances of catching fish. They are especially useful when targeting species like pike, walleye, and panfish during the winter months when traditional open-water fishing is not possible.

  6. Regulations: It's essential for ice anglers to be aware of local fishing regulations, as some areas may have specific rules regarding the use of tip-ups, including the number allowed and the type of bait permitted.

  7. Safety: When using tip-ups, anglers should always exercise caution on frozen bodies of water. It's crucial to ensure that the ice is thick enough to support your weight and to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

Ice fishing tip-ups are a valuable tool for ice anglers, allowing them to monitor multiple lines simultaneously and increase their chances of success during the winter fishing season. Properly set and maintained tip-ups can be an effective and enjoyable way to catch fish in cold weather.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ice fishing tip ups on the market
  

Frabill Ice Fishing Tip-Ups | Strike Indicators for Ice Fishing | Available in Multiple Styles

Frabill

Based on 752 reviews Check latest price
  • Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
  • Extra durable molded base featuring convenient bait clip for superior durability and accuracy in suspending bait and alerting you when a fish bites
  • Pre-lubed with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant | Shaft-in-shaft design allows re-greasing for many seasons of successful ice fishing
  • Dual trip settings (light or heavy) for versatile options depending on your preference
  • Removable spool shaft

User questions & answers

Question: Does a tip-up replace a rod
Answer: Easy fix: Wrap 3 layers of duct tape around the bottom strap to absorb the wear. Replace as necessary. I've been doing this since 2012, and spend hundreds of hours walking around prairie each season. Generally, I have to change the tape only once a year.
Question: Does this item come with line on the spool
Answer: They only work with snowshoes! don't get get them for anything else!!!
Question: Does this tip up include line
Answer: From base of gaiter where heel strap is mounted is 12"From base of toe piece to top is around 14"
Question: How much line fits on the spool
Answer: Your best bet is to contact the seller. I need 6e and they don’t come true to width in my opinion. They were very narrow

Product features

Because of our commitment to performance and quality, Frabill has earned the respect, admiration and trust of serious anglers.

Frabill Pro Thermal Tip-Up | Freeze-Proof Insulated Design | Strike Indicator for Ice Fishing | Available in Multiple Styles

Frabill

Based on 623 reviews Check latest price
  • Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
  • The original insulated tip-up | Prevents hole from freezing up | Covers 10" hole
  • Easy to carry design | Fits in 5- to 6-gallon bucket for simple storage
  • Pre-lubed with Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant | Shaft-in-shaft design allows re-greasing for many seasons of successful ice fishing
  • Dual trip settings (light or heavy) | Removable spool shaft

User questions & answers

Question: How many are in a unit
Answer: Laying flat and unstretched the Ubertude is 19.5" long and 9" wide. It stretches about 10% along the length and about 50% along the diameter.
Question: Is the bottom covered with plastic or is there styrofoam exposed
Answer: I'm not a hunter, but the fabric is soft, not crinkley. I have never noticed them making any noise.
Question: Will it cover a 10" hole
Answer: No, the small/medium is an adult size. I am a medium build woman who wears size 8.5/9 women's shoe and I bought the small/medium which works great for me.
Question: What's the line capacity
Answer: I wear a women's size 9 and I got the large size gaiter based on reviews saying that they are somewhat tight around the calf. I would say that your shoe size is not as important as your calf size. My calves are not particularly large and my size 'large' gaiters are very snug. I wouldn't want them any smaller or tighter. I am 5'3" and on the 'slim' side.

Product features

Because of our commitment to performance and quality, Frabill has earned the respect, admiration and trust of serious anglers.

Frabill Artic Fire Tip-Up | Heavy-Duty Tip-Up with Dual Trip Settings

Frabill

Based on 249 reviews Check latest price
  • Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
  • Extra molded durable poly base with dual trip settings: light for panfish/walleye and heavy for large baits/game fish
  • 17.5" inch flag shaft with high visibility flag
  • Molded-in 19" ruler | Large capacity metal spool with counter-balance crank knobs for a wobble-free performance
  • Tapered rails for easy removal from snow and ice | Pre lubricated with sub-zero low temp lubricant

User questions & answers

Question: What's a ballpark guess as to how much 20lb dacron line the spool will hold
Answer: If it is a women's size 7 probably. I wear a women's size 11 and have the large Cascadia's. I hook them in the first row towards my toes and they come to my knees. This is my second pair because the first pair were eaten by a puppy. I think you'll be very happy with them.
Question: What is the size of the wingnut
Answer: Yes, inside.
Question: These work as good as usa wi hand made beaver dams
Answer: I can answer in the context of skiing. I have skied two days with the Ubertube and I am not satisfied. There are three problems. First, I am an aggressive skier and my inhales are too restricted. I have to pull the tube off my nose and mouth when I descend. Due to Covid-19 I have to pull it back up as I approach the lift line. The second issue: This is not easy to do with gloves and the anchor point at the back of the head slides down underneath my helmut with each run. The third issue: It is not possible to cover your mouth and nose without fogging up sunglasses or goggles. I had one day with each. I'm going to try a conventional Covid mask that loops around my earns next and that is form fitted around my nose. I expect to leave that dangling below my chin on the descent and pop it up over my nose in the lift line.

Product features

Because of our commitment to performance and quality, Frabill has earned the respect, admiration and trust of serious anglers.

Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Caution Tip-Up in Black/Yellow Finish - Legendary Ice Fishing Tip-Up Built to Last a Lifetime (BDTP-by)

Beaver Dam Ice Fishing

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price
  • 🐟 BEAVER DAM CAUTION BLACK & YELLOW TIP-UP - The legendary tip-up that revolutionized ice fishing! The Beaver Dam Original Rail Tip-Up debuted in Wisconsin more than 50 years ago, and no one has since managed to top its original fish-catching design.
  • 🐟 HAND MADE PREMIUM QUALITY ICE FISHING TIP-UP - Still made by hand, Beaver Dam tip-ups are crafted on a custom finished board and provide smooth, trouble-free operation with ultimate stealth, regardless of wind or brutal cold conditions.
  • 🐟 FREEZE-PROOF AND WIND-TESTED IN EVEN THE HARSHEST ICE CONDITIONS - Beaver Dam's innovative underwater-spool design incorporates Smooth-Spool Technology and Freezeproof Grease to ensure that finicky game fish stay on the line following the take.
  • 🐟 PROVEN STRIKE-SIGNALING CONSISTENCY - Seamless steel tube is filled with a freezeproof lubricant for fail-safe operation. Aluminum tube bearings deliver smooth action. The spinner trigger has tapered and straight trips for a wide range of baits. When the heavy-duty spring is released, the fabric flag stands at 17.5" for easy visibility. A windproof, rod-cradle design ensures strike-signaling consistency.
  • 🐟 BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME - Original Beaver Dam Tip-Ups made more than 50 years ago are still in service today! Passed down from generation to generation, the legendary Beaver Dam Tip Up stands the test of time and the harshest conditions.

Product features

The Caution Black and Yellow Beaver Dam Tip-Up

BEAVER DAM CAUTION BLACK & YELLOW TIP-UP - The legendary tip-up that revolutionized ice fishing! The Beaver Dam Original Rail Tip-Up debuted in Wisconsin more than 50 years ago, and no one has since managed to top its original fish-catching design.

HAND MADE PREMIUM QUALITY ICE FISHING TIP-UP - Still made by hand, Beaver Dam tip-ups are crafted on a custom finished board and provide smooth, trouble-free operation with ultimate stealth, regardless of wind or brutal cold conditions.

FREEZE-PROOF AND WIND-TESTED IN EVEN THE HARSHEST ICE CONDITIONS - Beaver Dam's innovative underwater-spool design incorporates Smooth-Spool Technology and Freezeproof Grease to ensure that finicky game fish stay on the line following the take.

The First and STILL the Best Tip-Up on the Market

PROVEN STRIKE-SIGNALING CONSISTENCY - Seamless steel tube is filled with a freezeproof lubricant for fail-safe operation. Aluminum tube bearings deliver smooth action. The spinner trigger has tapered and straight trips for a wide range of baits. When the heavy-duty spring is released, the fabric flag stands at 17.5" for easy visibility. A windproof, rod-cradle design ensures strike-signaling consistency.

BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME - Original Beaver Dam Tip-Ups made more than 50 years ago are still in service today! Passed down from generation to generation, the legendary Beaver Dam Tip Up stands the test of time and the harshest conditions.

Product Features

  • Freeze proof, windproof and foolproof
  • Features an anti-wind slot for breezy days
  • Designed by elite ice fishermen for daily use under harsh freezing conditions
  • Seamless steel tube is filled with special freeze-proof lubricant to ensure smooth operation
  • Spool capacity:150 ft of line
  • Yellow and black "Caution!" colors
  • Bright yellow flag with caution symbol

Trusted By Seasoned Ice Fishermen

Beaver Dam is the most trusted name in Ice Fishing. For more than 50 years Beaver Dam has consistently delivered the highest quality, most trusted products to ice fishermen around the world.

The Beaver Dam Ice Fishing Company

Look for the Beaver Dam logo any time you are looking for ice fishing tip-ups, poles, line and other ice fishing gear. Don't settle for cheap imitiation. Beaver Dam is known as the leader in quality ice fishing equipment.

American Owned and Operated

Originally opened more than 50 years ago in Beaver Dam, Wisconson. Beaver Dam is proudly American owned and operated.

Multi 3 Pack Tip-Up with Tackle, One Size

Celsius

Based on 185 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This 3 pack cross style tip-up allows any hard water angler to cover a wider spread of water and present bait in front of more fish. Comes with a bonus minnow dip net.

  • Package length: 5.08 cm
  • Package width: 15.24 cm
  • Package height: 60.96 cm
  • Product Type: FISHING EQUIPMENT

User questions & answers

Question: Do the cross bolts have Wing nuts on them
Answer: If you google it there are some pretty informative videos. Other than that make sure you install the line so the retrieve is clockwise and the drop is where you would fight the drag
Question: does it come with line
Answer: You get one per order
Question: Do they come with line
Answer: Each puck weights 3.6 ounces.Sincerely,Soccer & More of Orland Park.
Question: sounds like they are cheap quality is it worth me buying them or no
Answer: We have Red, Orange and Black, plus 2 left of Yellow. When ordering, please specify color in a message to us, to avoid confusion, until we figure out how to list the colors more clearly. Sometimes, listing new products on Amazon requires figuring out how to navigate certain hurdles and roadblocks. We have the product. Any questions, you may contact us again. Sincerely, Soccer & More of Orland Park.

Ifish Pro Ice Fishing Tip-Up

I FISH PRO

Based on 67 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The I Fish Pro Tactical Tip-up is a great solution for ice-fisherman that love to feel the fight of the fish in their hands thanks to its "bail-open" design. Simply set your line and tension and when you have a strike an indictor flay lets you know it's time to go set the hook!

This easy to use system works with almost any ice rod and for any species of fish. No more changing lines, tangled messes, frozen hands or lines when its time to pack up! Light, medium and heavy settings can all be adjusted on the fly so you can quickly switch bait and tactics and a slip-stop setup allows you to jig line without moving tip up. Durable, adjustable rod holder folds and locks in place for transport and compact storage. Base is sized to cover hole and house catch covers correctly. Black color absorbs heat from sunlight to prevent freezing. Wind deflector protects against false flags and snow buildup. Includes two triggers and two slip stops.

  • new

User questions & answers

Question: What is the diameter? Does this work on a 10” hole
Answer: No, these are not snake bit gaiters. They will stop abrasion, but not punctures.
Question: Do these work with casting rods
Answer: They're kinda stiff but It would really depend on how much of an arch your shoes have, there's a strap that goes underneath if your shoes are flat you're going to be stepping on that all the time and probably ruin them. I wear them over boots and haven't had a problem.
Question: What rod length size works best
Answer: Choose according to your shoe size. the height of small - 13 ", M - 14 and Large -14 7/8"
Question: Is it insulated
Answer: yes, medium would be fine

Berkley Insulated Round Ice Fishing Tip Up, Red, 10"

Pure Fishing

Product description

Easily detect strikes with the NEW Berkley® Insulated Tip Up. The unique, double jointed flag is extra tall to detect strikes, and the thick, enclosed insulation keeps your fishing hole from freezing up. The 10” diameter fits inside a 5-gallon bucket for easy transportation both on and off the ice.

  • 16" flag height to easily detect strikes
  • Insulated to prevent freeze-ups
  • Insulation is enclosed for increased life

Demeras Ice Fishing Rod Ice Fishing Angler Tackle Tip-Up Free Hand for Outdoor Activity for Fishing

Demeras

Product description

Features:

Made of quality materials, resistant to low temperature, unbreakable, durable for long time use. With a big round base plate and three legs, which increases friction on ice surface for better stability. Comes with a orange flag that accents the position of it, easy for you to see the fishing process. Easy to use, it can free your hand and increase the fishing efficiency. Nice accessory for fishing lovers.

Specification:

Material: ABS

Color: As picture shown

Size(Round Plate Dia * Height): Approx. 7 * 28cm / 2.75 * 11in

Weight: Approx. 67g



Package List:

1 x Ice Fishing Rod



  • Nice accessory for fishing lovers
  • Comes with a orange flag that accents the position of it, easy for you to see the fishing process
  • Easy to use, it can free your hand and increase the fishing efficiency
  • Made of quality materials, resistant to low temperature, unbreakable, durable for long time use
  • With a big round base plate and three legs, which increases friction on ice surface for better stability

Celsius Ice Fishing ITU-1 Wood Tip-Up Brown/High Visibility Flag

Celsius

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Clesius Wood Ice Tip-Up is an all purpose and light weight fishing tip-up. Hard wood construction will not freeze or lock up. Comes with a large capacity spool and a positive trip mechanism to raise it's flag when a fish is on the line.

  • Number one in fishing sports
  • Manufactured in the country of China
  • Made of the highest quality material
  • Package weight:2.0 lb

User questions & answers

Question: Does this come with line
Answer: Mine came in pairs.

Celsius CE-UT-2PK Up-Tip 2Pk

Celsius

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Celsius® is quality ice gear for hardwater anglers. For a world of harsh extremes, Celsius® has created a family of fishing tackle and accessories designed and engineered to be durable enough to withstand these most extreme conditions. The Celsius® line up includes rods, reels, combos, tip-ups, tackle, lures, shelters, gloves, cleats and accessories for ice fishing.

  • Available in 1 and 2 pack
  • Includes - up-tip base, spool arm and pre-lined spool along with Assembly and usage instructions
  • Innovative above ice spool System
  • Integrated hole-cover

User questions & answers

Question: What's the diameter of tip up
Answer: XS
Question: In the line that comes with it, is it well connected to the spool? Or do I have to undo the whole reel
Answer: it is not waterproof - but all waterproof hat are not so breathable
Question: Does it come w/line
Answer: Probably a medium. The large was too large forme

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