Modifying Windlass Tipup

[Boss]

since theres still no safe ice near by me, ive been at home thinking...started wondering if i could replace the plastic spool on my windlass with an old fly reel i have to make use of the drag system and higher spool capacity.

what do you guys think about that? ive mocked it up, and by theory it should work. but i would have to cut off the plastic spool (and mounting bracket) , and theres no turning back after that.

2nd question...does anybody use lures on these things?? (darters, badboyz, etc) or just minnows?

i was thinking a lipless live target shiner might work well...



i have no idea really though...just thinking out loud

Update on post# 6

[markjsolomon]

i am not sure about the reel

but i use northland quick strikes

[esox_xtm]

I use windlass tippys frequently. I don't see why a spool mod wouldn't work. As far as lures, they can be unpredictable jiggers depending on the wind and your ability to fine tune operation. Not sure a lure that relies on mechanical action ( e.g. lipless crank) would work up to it's potential.

I use 'em mostly to add a little action to dead baits for pike.

/m

[gooner]

I can't see why the reel mod wouldn't work. If you get it to work let me know I like to see it. As for lures, I have used jigs with plastics (which works really well for pike, walleye, and perch), I have also used lipless cranks but haven't got nothing. I think it has to do with the tip up, cause when you jig them they rattle on the way up, not down. 

[BCice]

 Sounds like a good idea on the mod. I have 1 with a broken off handle I need to fix. Let us know how it works.

 As for lures all I use is a small, light weight flutter spoon, occasionally. Sometimes I have the hook direct to the lure with a minnow on. Some times I'll have a piece of mono/fluoro. below the spoon, say 3-4" then the hook. I've even used longer lengths at times like a foot or so, in clear water. 

[Hando]

I love my Windless tip-ups but the reels do stink! You really have to watch the spool tension so the line doesn't come pouring off so I like your idea.   For lures I use a Road Runner jigheads and Rapala minnows.  They have great action with a slight breeze.  Good Luck! 

[Boss]

boredom got the best of me, so i cut off the old spool and mocked up my fly reel

everything seems to work well as i hoped, it ttrips the flag as well as the original spool, and the drag is wayyyyy better then that silly plastic wingnut (obviously) the line pulls a lot smoother off the spool.



the reel is a heavier so it will take a bit of fine tuning with the springs and maybe an added weight (if needed) but i dont think much will need to be done

the only issue is how low the reel sits, it rubs on the arm as seen in the pic below.



i will probably put a 1/4" thick piece of wood underneath to mount it on, and raise it slightly. and/or grind the 2 square edges so that theyre round and not obstructing the movement.

when complete i will mount it permanently with some screws or bolts/nuts instead of the tape
 
so far so good

[gooner]

Looks good.