Tip Up Ignorance

[Ryno]

I use them a lot on the Gorge, mostly for burbot but I also catch the occasional lake trout. Originally I used braid, but I definitely recommend "tip up line". It won't freeze as easy, doesn't cut into your hands as much when pulling in fish, and is pretty cheap and rarely has to be replaced. It's available mostly in white or black. I use white being it's easier to see at night in a dark hole or on polished ice, but black would be nice on the snow. When you hand line a fish in, all that line will end up on the ice so it's nice to be able to see it. I also tie a barrel swivel to the end, and about 4 ft of flourocarbon leader from there to the hook or lure. Consider adding reflective tape to the flag, if you fish it at night, and some small bells for day or nighttime use. You'll hear the flag flip, which is nice. Also they are usually used for my shallow presentations so I don't have to hand or spool as much line, and prefer a deadstick or jigging for the deep water presentations.

Hope that helps and good luck, Ryno
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