Tip ups for crappie

[spikes]

Does anyone have a favorite and what kind and size of line do you use?

[bowmandan]

I use crappie rigs all the time catch anything from walleye and perch to crappie and pike.   I like the round insulated frabils

[bart]

I prefer tip-downs for Crappies.

[spikes]

So what brand of tip downs do you use and why do you prefer tip downs?    I haven't seen any before other than pics here.   

[river_scum]

crappie tend to drop the bait on tip-ups. a steelie slammer type rig would be better. we usually use slip bobber rigs with open bails. i like the tip down concept but never used them.

[bart]

So what brand of tip downs do you use and why do you prefer tip downs?    I haven't seen any before other than pics here.   

Like mine most are home-made, here's a thread with examples and reasons why they are preferred. http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=260539.msg2678086#msg2678086

Note: there are other links on that thread and you can do another search for "tip downs" to find more information/pics.

[rabbittrapper]

Set the tip up like you would for walleye/perch. Set it on the light setting side. I have caught many only a foot off the bottom using that way. Never had a problem with them dropping the bait.

[stripernut]

For me I never did that well with Crappies on my tip up (Heritage), then I started using Quick Strike Rigs and was suddenly catch Crappies... I moved to NH for years and could not use the QSR and caught few crappies, but lost lots of bait... I am now back to MA and using QSR again and I am again getting Crappies (and lose very little bait)! If I was to target crappies on Tip ups, like others have said a tip down or the like sounds like the better choice...

[fishermantim]

Gimme a jigging rod for crappie!
They bite lightly and drop bait on tip-ups in a heartbeat.
You may still catch one on a tip-up, but to improve your catch ratio you need a more active approach!

[kb]

Ive caught plenty on tip-ups.  I use the plain cross stick no name brand, with 6 pound leader, and small to medium sized bait.

[FishADK]

The lake I often fish only has large crappies but there aren't many. When I catch them I am using the normal rig I always use for bass and picks. Cross style tip up, tip up line, wire leader, and traditional bait holder hooks. Works for the few crappies there are. 

[kpd145]

I too have had no issues using tip ups for crappie. I have started to set them about 6 feet down in 9-13 FOW and my catch ratio has sky rocketed. I used to set them about halfway down the water column, I know in some cases it would be half way down already but it has worked great since I have just done the 6 feet.

Use regular cross style with a small/medium shiner.