Walleyes on tip-ups

[Bud_Boiteau]

When tip-up fishing for walleyes, should you use a sinker to keep the bait about 1-2 feet off the bottom or just let it swim around freely. Any advice on this or other helpful tips to put more walleyes on the ice would be a great help. Thanks

[twodoggs]

I use a sinker.  It seems to work.  

[RSQCAL]

I use the same tipups for walleye as for northerns. I replace the heavy leader with a leader made of lite line (4/6 lb) about 24 to 30 inchs long. I then place a lite sinker at the top of the leader. Just enough to bring the line toward the bottom. I then let the minnow swim about freely at the end of this. Seems to work for me. Keep the spool turning smooth and the line neat so the fish doesn't feel the pull of the line. Good Luck !!  

[Kochman]

I'm using 8lb. micro-ice fireline 36'' in length for my tip-up leaders, and my success has not been great.  Is this too heavy or do you think the visibility of fireline is decreasing my hook-ups?

[Hard_H2O]

Try flourocarbon for your leader.

[RSQCAL]

I did fail to mention that I make my leaders out of flourocarbon line.

[HUNTnFISHSD]

 You want some weight so the minnow doesn't swim around too much or else the walleyes won't go for it.

[Whopper Stopper]

I just use a jig.

       WS

[IceTroll]

You want some weight so the minnow doesn't swim around too much or else the walleyes won't go for it.

Not saying your wrong where you fish but I have never found this to be the case. A walleye that is foraging for minnows that are not on a hook are chasing free swimming minnows. Why would he not chase a hooked minnow thats free swimming? If he is hungry enough he will chase. Now if your dealing with Walleyes that are more neutral than active than you might be better off restricting the range a minnow can swim. Unless your using giant minnows just the weight of your line and the hook itself is going to hinder the minnows movement at least to some degree. Guess I just favor a more natural presentation and if I use weight, I tend to put my weight at the top of the leader where the braid meets the leader like RSQCAL suggested. I also dont believe a Walleye wont swim up several feet to hit a minnow especially in clear water. I have caught trophy walleys in 12 foot of water with the minnow 5 to 6 foot off the bottom. Their eyes are situated to see everything above them and if they can see it, they will swim up to grab it.

[beeverfishing]

wow, this post started in 2003 !   
But to add my 2 cents..  I use a small split shot about 18" above my hook or use a jighead.  I try to keep the hook 12" to 18" from the bottom

[HUNTnFISHSD]

 I will try that on one if my tip ups.