Tip-Up Help

[smitty0312]

I need some advice on tip-ups, I have never used one before, not alot of people use them around here, but thinking of playing around this winter with 1 or 2. We have a local lake around here with alot of Muskies and thought I might try a tip-up to catch one of these monsters this winter. I need help on what tip-up to use, bait, line, hook size, what areas to target, brush piles, deep water, drop offs, ect. This lake is 12 -30 ft deep. I have been looking at the different ones on the market and the frabill ones catch my eye, they cover the whole hole, so less freezing up. I just need to know if I will be waisting my time trying to catch one. Anyway, all help well appreciated! Smitty

[Doop]

Muskies typically aren't a target of most fisherman who use tip ups.  That being said....that doesn't mean they can't be caught.  If you want to try it....the frabil ones are a good bet.  They will keep your hole from freezing over....very low profile so you don't have to worry about the wind tripping your flag...plus the flags are nice and bright. 

We use 80lb braid....a titanium leader....dead smelt with a quick strike rig. A quick strike rig is two trebble hooks....each connected by it's own short leader....with a blade and beads.  Here is a quick picture to demonstrate what I'm talking about.

As far as areas to target.....I would say they are in deep water and would pretty much stay there all winter...they will feed....just not heavily.  "I think"  Not real certain on locations. But this setup..you should put yourself in good shape to catch one if he comes by.  Good Luck!

[smitty0312]

Thanks for the info and the pics(worth 1000 words!) Doop so quick, do you make your own leaders? Smitty

[Doop]

No problem.
Yes we make our own.  It's very easy to do...and gives a guy something to do while waiting for the lakes to freeze!