Tip up sucker question

[Digs]

I bought half a dozen tip up suckers today to better my chances while I sit in my shack and jig for Lakers. I'm not a big traps guy I jig mainly for lakers. Any one have any tips for rigging these guys up on a trap? Is a foot a long enough leader? Preferred hook placement? Any best practices would be appreciated. Thanks!

[zwiggles]

I am interested to see if anyone with experience replies, but while having not done it personally,I have heard of people cutting the tail off of a big tip up sucker to simulate/create a distressed baitfish situation.

Hopefully you can nab that big one that tormented you under your shack a few weeks back...

[Digs]

I am interested to see if anyone with experience replies, but while having not done it personally,I have heard of people cutting the tail off of a big tip up sucker to simulate/create a distressed baitfish situation.

Hopefully you can nab that big one that tormented you under your shack a few weeks back...

Yeah me too and I'm pretty green on the laker trap set-up......I can picture that moment it let go......I have seen a few good marks this past week bigger than other marks I've been seeing so hopefully it's still close. I figure I've got the available line and why not set a trap. I've also thought about getting a rattle reel set up.

[AQUAASSASSIN]

Rubber band trick for sure so the flag doesn’t keep popping

[Jschumacher]

I have the smaller scotty clips on my traps to keep the suckers from popping the flags.

[AQUAASSASSIN]

I have the smaller scotty clips on my traps to keep the suckers from popping the flags.

Even better 

[SALMONEMIA]

I installed some big bait clips on my jack traps, hope to use them this weekend.

[DConICE]

Curious - as I have not done much with large baits...

Some of my traps have and adjustable drag/tension knob/spring on them, which I have tightened some the few times I have used larger bait.
Are there pro's and con's for adding some tension to the spool to prevent the sucker from tripping the flag - but still allowing the predator to?

One I can think of is that with the tension set - the resistance is constant  - versus the clip, which once released the spool will free-spin and thus the predator does not feel the drag.


Thoughts?

Thanks

[AQUAASSASSIN]

Yes that is the con for sure, that’s why we mentioned rubber bands and release clips etc so you don’t need to tighten the tension. These will hold the bait for you without tripping the flag but yet will break away after a fish takes it without having the spool tightened right down.

[Dipstick]

10" plus sucker, smash their head and gut so the entrails are hanging out, dead on bottom.. sorry, kind of graphic. No need for drag.

[esox_xtm]

Fishing live or dead? It makes a difference (sort of). Either way, if you're dangling footlongs a tandem Q/S rig is the order of the day if it's legal where you fish. Fixed end hook goes near the head and the adjustable (or also fixed) second hook goes near the dorsal. If you get a flag and they're taking line, tighten up and put the steel to 'em. If multiple hooks are not legal one treble (or single) at the dorsal just like you hook smaller minnows will work best.

As far as controlling big live bait, the rubber band trick might be the best (https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=266318.0) Weight can be splitshot up the leader. Weight for dead can be a 16p nail down the mouth or up the vent, your choice.

[Digs]

I got out for a bit today and it was beautiful out unfortunately I only had two hours to fish. I set up in 50 fow I wasnt using big suckers they were probably 4 inches or so. Used about a foot of leader and a splitshot sent it down to the bottom and had a flag in about ten min. Went over the spool was slowly spinning so I pulled it and set it and missed it...... I got a bit anxious and should have waited a little longer I guess. I had the sucker hooked behind the head a bit. Other than that no action today had a few chasing the bucktail for a bit but nothing eating.

[Digs]

Fishing live or dead? It makes a difference (sort of). Either way, if you're dangling footlongs a tandem Q/S rig is the order of the day if it's legal where you fish. Fixed end hook goes near the head and the adjustable (or also fixed) second hook goes near the dorsal. If you get a flag and they're taking line, tighten up and put the steel to 'em. If multiple hooks are not legal one treble (or single) at the dorsal just like you hook smaller minnows will work best.

As far as controlling big live bait, the rubber band trick might be the best (https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=266318.0) Weight can be splitshot up the leader. Weight for dead can be a 16p nail down the mouth or up the vent, your choice.

Thanks for the link to the rubber band set up I'll try that if I get some bigger suckers for sure.

[esox_xtm]

I got out for a bit today and it was a beautiful out unfortunately I only had two hours to fish. I set up in 50 fow I want using big suckers they were probably 4 inches or so.

FWIW in this part of the country big suckers are 6 - 9", maybe larger if we can get 'em for pike. 4" bait is an easy single hook (or treble) hooked midships.

[DConICE]

Thanks AA - that is what I figured..

Thanks for the link to the rubber band post too esox_xtm... interesting technique...

[PikeKing23]

Use downrigger clips and screw them into the bottom of the tip up.  Large bait won't trip it, but once the flag goes - no tension for the fish to feel.

[Digs]

Not the size I was looking for but my presentation worked

[AQUAASSASSIN]

Nice!

[Digs]

Thanks!

[DConICE]

Well you have the presentation and location right - nice job.

Way to save the bigger one for the derby 

[SALMONEMIA]

Not the size I was looking for but my presentation worked

nice job bet its nice out there

[Digs]

It's beautiful out a little wet on the ice not as bad as I thought it would be.