Alrighty guys... I could use some of our Tip-up anglers 'expertise' as am a COMPLETELY inexperienced using them, although I've tried several times with only one successful flag...
Here's what I'm using:
http://www.frabill.com/tipups.html#prothermalNow here's my problem:
I always seem to get my minnows picked off (big or small) and have my waxies peeled too!
Here's what I'm doing:
I have spooled the tipups, I believe correctly - although off the top of my head I'm not sure if clockwise or counter-clockwise, with braided tip-up line (not sure how much - but enough for 100+ ft) followed by a 8lb. mono leader. I used a barrel swivel to attach the mono to the braided. End of mono has a quick clip (not swivel or snap) - but those cute little red snaps ya have to use a plyers to get your jig/hook on/off with.
I always make sure the bait is anywhere from 6"-2' off bottom. Main target in using the tipups has been eyes or perch in 14-25 FOW.
Currently, all three are rigged w/ red trebles. I have in the past used various jigs (both heavy and lightweight) and still have had the same problem. I've tried the trebles both w/ and w/o a small splitshot (enough to help get to the bottom) approx. 1 1/2 - 2' above the bait. When I get on bottom, I reel the spool into the approx. depth I want the bait at.
Every time, except for once last year, my bait gets picked off w/o the flag ever even budging! In addition, every one of these times except the one that I had a flag go, the line has not been spooled and almost always has the same amount of line out as when I set it...
As stated, I've had minnows, minnow heads, and waxies all peeled off. The waxies in particular I'm pretty sure perch picked them as I was fishing over a school one day and had very little eye action when it occured... but I could be wrong too.
Anyways... I'm wondering what the heck my problem is? Could I have the tip-ups spooled wrong and that is the problem? Does it matter if the braided is moreless bunched to one side on the spool vs. the other? Does it matter if it is not tightly spooled and loose or should it be tightly spooled? The only thing I can think of is the fish are feeling resistance and quickly peel the bait off and split on outta there?
I should also mention that these tipups have a regular flag setting and a 'light bite' setting so to speak. The light bite setting is supposed to have the flag trip even if a fish just mouths the bait. I can barely even tap or breath one the trigger and the flag will pop, so I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong?!?! I've tried both settings...
I'd love to be able to be more effective with them, but with the problem I'm having, it is almost to the point where I'm giving up on em and ready to switch to another brand, although I was informed by several people that use these that they are some of the better tip-ups around - and I hope so for the $14.99 tag on em - although I don't see many people using them except for me, LOL?!?!
Any advice from you guys that use tipups or maybe even some that use the ones I have, or had same problems w/ these or similar models?!
I should also mention that I got lucky TWICE this year as I was going to check them to see if bait was still on and I did feel light resistance, which turned out to be some small dink eyes after I got em in... other than that - I have no luck w/ em! LOL
Thanks much in advance guys!!!
-WF.