Most serious tip-up anglers would agree: One of the most challenging parts of tip-up outings is packing them up at the end of the day. Handling wet line and bait, especially with bare hands, is simply not pleasant, especially under in extremely cold temperatures or windy conditions. To make the job faster and more comfortable, consider the following:
- Wear water resistant, HT neoprene style gloves or waterproof gloves such as HT’s Eskimo gloves that allow dexterity, but keep your hands dry.
- Consider keeping a hand warmer inside your gloves during the pick-up process.
- The Polar family of tip-ups also offers several features that speed up the process while allowing you to minimize or avoid handling wet line:
- When fishing shallow water, you can use the handle at the base of the spool to loosely wind up your line—tip-ups can then be re-handled once you’re back inside where it’s warm to wrap the line under the desired amount of tension.
- You can also grasp the vinyl tip at the top of the tip-up mechanism and simply spin the spool to loosely wind up your line—again, this can then be re-handled once you’re back inside where it’s warm to wrap the line under the desired amount of tension.
- Under extreme conditions, note the unique “H” shape of the Polar Tip-Up frame allows you to simply wrap the line around the frame itself for a quick pick-up. Again, the tip-up can then be re-handled once you’re back inside to properly wrap the line on the spool.
- To secure your hook and leader, simply stretch a rubber band around the end of the frame opposite the reel. Loop a wrap or two of line around the handle on the spool, stretch your leader across the length of the frame and slip the hook over the rubber band. Presto! A secure, no tangle method to secure your rig.
Once you’re back indoors, spread your tip-ups on an old blanket or towel to allow any ice or moisture to dry off the units and line; then re-wrap your line under the desired amount of tension. Also use this time to check your backing for knots or damage, replacing nicked or bent leaders, re-tying knots, adding attractors such as flicker blades and beads, sharpening or changing hooks, tightening loose fasteners, etc.
This process not only helps care for your tip-ups so they will be ready to go again next time you are, but will extend the life of your units as well.
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