IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community

Maine => Ice Fishing Maine => Topic started by: ougot1 on Dec 02, 2019, 12:23 PM

Title: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: ougot1 on Dec 02, 2019, 12:23 PM
I would like to get  3 tip ups , they would be used primarily for brook trout and late season bass . what tip ups should i be looking at for  these types of  fishing ? any and all replies appreciated !         THANK YOU
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: jethro on Dec 02, 2019, 12:25 PM
40 Ups are great traps. I would NOT suggest Heritage Lakers as the spring is to aggressive and the trap moves when the flag is tripped. I am replacing a lot of my Heritage traps with 40 ups. 
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: Ramp 23 on Dec 02, 2019, 12:33 PM
Original polar tip up is a great tip up also . The adjustable trip settings are a huge feature. Lots of snow hard to see but other than that an excellent tip up
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: 1MOFISH on Dec 02, 2019, 12:55 PM
40 Ups are great traps. I would NOT suggest Heritage Lakers as the spring is to aggressive and the trap moves when the flag is tripped. I am replacing a lot of my Heritage traps with 40 ups.
i agree!
GOD BLESS YOU
mo
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: 9huskies on Dec 02, 2019, 01:04 PM
I have used a lot of different traps and Max Traps are my favorite. Thompson or Black Magic would be my second choice.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: fishlessman on Dec 02, 2019, 01:23 PM
1 40up with the big yellow plastic spool'\, 1 jack trap cross, 1 beaver dam to put right on shore in a foot of water
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: nbourque on Dec 02, 2019, 02:30 PM
Jack traps. No question.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: GasBlaster on Dec 02, 2019, 03:08 PM
Ht enterprises    Arctic bay tipup   hands down.    They have the same spool and trip setup like classic polar tipups with an upright design for deep snow .     For shallow brookies I would suggest using a foam hole cover also .  With these tip ups you can see the if the spool is turning even with the hole cover still in position.


(https://i.postimg.cc/bDkDZM2D/image-resize.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDkDZM2D)
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: 413iceman on Dec 02, 2019, 05:24 PM
I only fish Jack Traps.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: fishbone on Dec 02, 2019, 06:03 PM
get heritage lakers or jack traps
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: Fishermen on Dec 03, 2019, 03:25 AM
On spring flags they are adjustable for hard or soft set by turning the spring
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: The Rusty Crab on Dec 03, 2019, 06:36 AM
Littleman or if your into a premium product with beautiful wood look at Butler traps local in maine and amazing work
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: tipman14 on Dec 03, 2019, 08:24 AM
I agree jack traps. Should be the last trap you will ever have to buy unless some idiot on a snowmobile runs it over 🤬
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: jacksmelt71 on Dec 06, 2019, 09:42 AM
jacks if you can afford them . 40 ups with the big plastic reels if you can't get jacks.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: jacksmelt71 on Dec 06, 2019, 09:46 AM
40 Ups are great traps. I would NOT suggest Heritage Lakers as the spring is to aggressive and the trap moves when the flag is tripped. I am replacing a lot of my Heritage traps with 40 ups.
i fish for brookies with my lakers and haven't had problems with dropped bait. maybe a 6in. might not trip them but anything bigger will. i do like my 40ups for when I'm walking out on early ice when weight/ space is a issue. like the ones with the big plastic reels if you can find them.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: Fishhead680 on Dec 09, 2019, 12:01 PM
Hey GasBlaster - where did you get your Arctic Bays?
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: GasBlaster on Dec 09, 2019, 12:11 PM
I
Hey GasBlaster - where did you get your Arctic Bays?
  I only have one but I got it at Merden's a few years back . I just loved the design . They are available online in several places and I saw some at sebago bait last year and I almost bought them to make a full set .  When I went back the next week to grab them they were gone .  If I remember there around $20 a pop.  I think mardens price was 15 .
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: caught_the_fever on Dec 09, 2019, 12:33 PM
My father has an old set of "Moosehead" traps which are great for preventing wind flags.   I have various models of Jack Traps that I feel are more substantial in build design and perform just as well.   The key with Jack traps is to return your spool to the water as soon as you land your fish.  Felt flags though can be somewhat of an issue in snowy or wet weather if not treated to be water repellent, which is quick and inexpensive.

I see no reason why I would not be able to hand my Jack traps down to my son when I'm done fishing them for 30+ years. 
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: eiderz on Dec 09, 2019, 01:35 PM
My father has an old set of "Moosehead" traps which are great for preventing wind flags.   I have various models of Jack Traps that I feel are more substantial in build design and perform just as well.   The key with Jack traps is to return your spool to the water as soon as you land your fish.  Felt flags though can be somewhat of an issue in snowy or wet weather if not treated to be water repellent, which is quick and inexpensive.

I see no reason why I would not be able to hand my Jack traps down to my son when I'm done fishing them for 30+ years. 

I use several different makes of tipups because some accept lights for night fishing, others I like in deep snow etc. I picked up a number of Jack Traps last year, I like them with the exception of the flag. I replace the flags with Heritage Laker flags, a little "Goop", a couple clothespins, and it's done. The HL flags are visible from hundreds of yards away, when I need field glasses to see the standard felt flags at that distance. The Jack Trap quality is really good, I agree that you can expect to pass them to the next generation. It's the only thing the kids will get, because you spent all your money on them.  ;) :tipup:
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: Fishhead680 on Dec 09, 2019, 03:41 PM
Thanks GasBlaster - I'll check a few Mardens but we know what that's like...
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: GasBlaster on Dec 09, 2019, 07:38 PM
Thanks GasBlaster - I'll check a few Mardens but we know what that's like...

Oh ya hit or miss for sure .

I know there not what people consider top end like a jack ,but I'm telling you they will not disappoint.    Here's a better look



 
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: caught_the_fever on Dec 11, 2019, 11:37 AM
I use several different makes of tipups because some accept lights for night fishing, others I like in deep snow etc. I picked up a number of Jack Traps last year, I like them with the exception of the flag. I replace the flags with Heritage Laker flags, a little "Goop", a couple clothespins, and it's done. The HL flags are visible from hundreds of yards away, when I need field glasses to see the standard felt flags at that distance. The Jack Trap quality is really good, I agree that you can expect to pass them to the next generation. It's the only thing the kids will get, because you spent all your money on them.  ;) :tipup:

Yes, not all flags are created equal in terms of visibility - I have several sets of the Jacks - set the dark flags as I look out across body of water, red flags against shoreline - if there's deep snow, I have the 31" traps with orange flags.  I used a $6 can of sof sole waterproofer to treat all to mitigate the issues typically associated with felt.  Your strategy seems like a good one as well.

The Jacks aren't inexpensive.  However, in many cases, when one buys cheap, more is paid in the long run.  A solidly built item properly cared for lasts. Plus, angling is my passion - i'm not paying for golf sets, country club fees, ATV's, snowmobiles, etc, so I buy good equipment to make my limited time out enjoyable rather than swearing at wind flags or traps that break and take a dip.  I understand others may have different motivations or circumstances that factor into their buying decisions.

Curious which direction the original poster goes and what the impression of the purchase is once put to use.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: eiderz on Dec 11, 2019, 11:52 AM
Yes, not all flags are created equal in terms of visibility - I have several sets of the Jacks - set the dark flags as I look out across body of water, red flags against shoreline - if there's deep snow, I have the 31" traps with orange flags.  I used a $6 can of sof sole waterproofer to treat all to mitigate the issues typically associated with felt.  Your strategy seems like a good one as well.

The Jacks aren't inexpensive.  However, in many cases, when one buys cheap, more is paid in the long run.  A solidly built item properly cared for lasts. Plus, angling is my passion - i'm not paying for golf sets, country club fees, ATV's, snowmobiles, etc, so I buy good equipment to make my limited time out enjoyable rather than swearing at wind flags or traps that break and take a dip.  I understand others may have different motivations or circumstances that factor into their buying decisions.

Curious which direction the original poster goes and what the impression of the purchase is once put to use.

Agreed, quality gear like the Jack Traps may be spendy but lasts forever if taken care of. The Jacks are a pleasure to look at and they work great.

Having said that my go-to tipups for night walleye fishing are the HT Icemaster Golds with a Frabill Lil' Shiner attached. They are the cheapest, simplest form of the Polar with pretty much no adjustments and cost me $8 each more than ten years ago. I'm wondering how long they'll last, the only failure was from a drunk googan pulling his jet sled over it at midnight, he faceplanted and spilled his drink.  ::)  Bent the T-assembly but I was able to bend it back. No good in deep snow however.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: woodchip on Dec 11, 2019, 12:05 PM
When you start Jigging ,You will find traps will last forever and ever!!!!
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: eiderz on Dec 11, 2019, 01:11 PM
When you start Jigging ,You will find traps will last forever and ever!!!!

When appropriate I enjoy jigging much more than tipup fishing, but there are days and times for both. Given the choice I would rather jig, but hanging with a group, or certain species and conditions, the tipups may be in order. I'm good with all of it.  :)
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: Tip up up on Dec 11, 2019, 07:56 PM
I recently came across forest city traps.  Built very well with nice improvements over some other ones.  Owner is a nice guy too.  When I'm ready to invest a little more into my traps I will get some.
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: swnoel on Dec 12, 2019, 08:04 AM
When you start Jigging ,You will find traps will last forever and ever!!!!


I find you catch way more fish jigging than using just tip ups! I now have a couple of jaw jackers and have had good luck with them. I just purchased the jaw jacker jigging base... hope it works!
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: FlagChasr on Dec 28, 2019, 06:43 PM
I wish Heritage would reproduce with the Jack trap. Really like the flag mechanics on the Heritage, but the Jack is a better made trap. Put the 2 together and you got yourself one fine trap
Title: Re: tip up suggestions needed
Post by: Scaler Marty on Dec 30, 2019, 04:44 AM
I would like to get  3 tip ups , they would be used primarily for brook trout and late season bass . what tip ups should i be looking at for  these types of  fishing ? any and all replies appreciated !         THANK YOU
Check out Maxtraps! Made in Dixfield Maine. Quality Built traps!