SWIMMING UP THE HOLE

[smitty]

NOT SURE IF THIS TOPIC HAS BEEN DISCUSSED BUT HERE IT GOES ANYWAY,
I HAVE NOTICED SOMETIMES THAT THE MINNOWS SWIM UP AND TANGLE THEMSELVES ONTO THE TIP UP SPOOL.
THIS IS A REAL PAIN IN THE A@#. TO  UNTANGLE THE MESS AND RE HOOK OR HAVING TO PUT ON A NEW LEADER TIME AND TIME AGAIN.
I HAVE TRIED TO ADD A SPLIT SHOT TO THE LINE BUT SOMETIMES THAT DOESN'T WORK OUT.
ANY OTHER CREATIVE IDEAS FOR FELLOW ICEFISHERMEN OR WOMEN OUT THERE!!! TAHNKS

smitty

[800stealth]

Clip some of the tail fin off with scissors... They will still wiggle and attract attention but wont really be able to get far.

[hardwater diehard]

Clip some of the tail fin off with scissors... They will still wiggle and attract attention but wont really be able to get far.

X2..some folks also use a jig head as opposed to just a hook ..Seems like there is usually one zippytastic minnow in the group ...pick a less lively one if you can. And yes I agree it is quite the macramé work of art that is accomplished in a short period of time

[smitty]

Clip some of the tail fin off with scissors... They will still wiggle and attract attention but wont really be able to get far.

This I will try thanks

smitty

[river_scum]

never had this problem.  always weight my baits to keep them catchable by the target predators.   most times it splitshot up the leader accordingly.  when i use live gills or chubs it an egg sinker up the leader.  i sure dont want my bait free lined.  that would be the only way i could see this happening.

[Icemole]

 I add a small split shot about a foot up the line, even with 6+" shiners it is generally enough to keep them down. There is a guy on the local lake that swears by the no weight method and he catches his share of big fish. I don't know how he doesn't get a mess - every time I try I do !

[burtmcgurt]

I take two steps to help alleviate this - one is using a heavier swivel, the other is keeping the line tight as I lower it (opposed to a free fall).

When using the heavier swivel, when fishing in deeper water or with bait that is inclined to swim circles (smelt) you just want to take care to not let the swivel get too far ahead of the bait.  If the swivel gets too far ahead the bait may just tangle around it.

[DR.SPECKLER]

I use a short leader with egg sinker and barrel swivel in over 6ft. any shallower i dont use a sinker just a swivel to connect the leader and fin clip the bait.