How to Make Tip Downs
Ice fishing is a method of fishing in the winter on lakes or streams that have ice at least four inches thick. It is a good way to commune with nature during the cold winter months. While fish are easier to catch because the water is so cold, they move more slowly than they would during warm weather. Take a comfortable chair, very warm clothing and a book or music to occupy your time while you wait for a nibble. Use this homemade tip down so you do not have to sit and stare at the hole in the ice waiting for the fish to come. When the tip down tips, you have a fish.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 piece 1/4-inch dowel, 24 inches ling
- 1 piece 1/2-inch dowel, 24 inches long
- Braided fishing line
- Super glue
- Bright cloth or ribbon
- Fishing line
Instructions
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1
Place all necessary items on a flat table that will not be disrupted by anyone if you need to pause in the midst of making the tip downs.
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2
Place a 1/4-inch dowel in the middle of a 1/2-inch dowel about 1/3 of the way down the 1/2-inch dowel.
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3
Twist fishing line around the meeting point of the two dowels. Twist the line, pulling it tight after each pass around the center of the two dowels. Do this six times, alternating the passes. In other words bring the line up and around the left side of the center one time, and the right side the next. On the sixth time you have passed the line through, secure it by tying a knot, and cut the excess line close to the knot.
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4
Place a small drop of a super-type glue in the middle of the knot to make sure that the knot will remain securely in place.
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5
Finish the tip down by tying a brightly colored or patterned cloth to the end of the 1/4-inch dowel.
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Tips & Warnings
Pick a distinct color for your flags so you can distinguish it from other tip downs.
Never go on the ice unless you are certain it is at least four inches deep, and never go alone in case of an accident.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
