Need advice - new to tip-ups

[Metz]

OK, My dad and I are looking into trying tip-ups this year for the first time. We mainly fish little inland ponds and small lakes - never plan on going out on Erie. We mostly go for panfish just a few times a season but we will try some lakes where the ODNR stocks trout. I've seen some tip ups that start around $5 and then some up over $20. We will set them up for trout mainly. Can I get away with the $5-$10 designs or should I drop the money on the more expensive ones? Anyone have any bad stories about the less expensive ones?

Dick's has the Frabil Blackhawk Assault tip up for $8.99. I think it would meet our needs fine. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

-Metz

[arrow_head_guide_service]

well if your only going to use them a few times a year I see no need to spend the money on the expensive ones. I use mine almost every day. My choice is Artics made by Beaver dam they are wood. They are expensive about 25.00 to 30.00 depending on where you get them at. But I have never had a problem with them.

Well good luck on the ice and be safe

[mudpuppy]

Here's what I use in MI for stocked trout:

Slammers-
http://www.hometown.aol.com/slamcoinc/index.html/
Arctic Warriors-
http://www.clamcorpstore.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=315

The stockers here (mostly rainbows)eat mainly insects & small minnows so smaller presentations are key. We use alot of wigglers & waxies, with or with out jigs.Or small minnows w or w/o jigs, too. Same thing will work for browns, but they can be more (bigger) minnow oriented, sometimes. So the bigger tip-ups can be OK for them. Main thing I look for with them is an easy spinning spool, or they tend to feel resistance & drop the rig.
Good luck

PS Make sure the slammers are legal there if you decide to try them!

[Metz]

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure about the slammers and if they're legal. The others that you suggested look like they will serve my purposes just fine.

Thanks again.

-Metz

[Seedtree]

I would steer you more towards the top end equipment. You get what you pay for and ice fishing can be tough on gear. As a novice, you don't need any more headaches and problems than you already will have in the normal learning process. I think you should avoid the bells and whistles, but get quality gear and take care of it. It will pay for itself many times over the years, not just in replacing cheaper gear but in less problems.

This is my personal recommendation after years of experience.

Too bad, you just missed a great sale on Frabill tipups at Bass Pro Shop. $25 tipups for $7. Keep your eyes peeled and jump.