How to Hook a Minnow Tip Up

Ice fishermen use tip-ups when they are targeting fish species such as northern pike and walleyes. Fishing with tip-ups is generally a passive type of fishing because anglers drop a weight and baited hook below the tip-up and then wait for a strike. A raised flag on a tip-up indicates a strike and requires anglers to walk or run to the tip-up, grab the line and set the hook. Minnows are one of the best baits to fish beneath tip-ups.

Things You'll Need

  • Leader
  • Monofilament fishing line
  • Weight
  • Hook
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Spool the tip-up with 30- to 40-pound test braided line. If you are targeting northern pike, attach the braided line to a steel leader using a Palomar knot. If you are targeting walleyes, use a blood knot to attach the braided line and an 18-inch piece of 8-pound monofilament fishing line.

    • 2

      Attach a fishing hook to the end of the leader or monofilament line. Use size 2 hooks and 2- to 3-inch minnows for walleyes, or size 2/0 or 3/0 hooks and minnows 4 inches or longer for pike.

    • 3

      Attach a weight to the line or leader 6 inches above the hook. The weight should be heavy enough to keep the line vertical beneath the tip-up. Split-shot weights work well, as do rubber-core sinkers.

    • 4

      Insert the hook point into the minnow's back, just behind its dorsal fin, and push it out the other side.The hook should enter and exit the minnow about 1/16 of an inch below the top of the back. The minnow should rest in the bend of the hook.