Insider Basic Systems Rigged Light, Rigged Right Terminal Tackle Tips for Tip-Ups by Doug Stange and Dave Csanda Tip-ups have been around for ages, they're simple to use, and they allow for fishing multiple lines through the ice. Even the broadest wingspan allows for jigging two rods in holes only a few feet apart. And unless you possess remarkable dexterity, jigging three lines simultaneously is out of the question. You need another hand to position and hold a line some distance away, to expand your coverage area. And since you can't see a bobber floating--or disappearing--in an ice hole at fifty paces, something must attract your attention to alert you when the bite is on. Tip-ups are fish traps, plain and simple. A spool of line attached to a vertical shaft suspends your bait at a selected depth. When a fish takes the bait and gives even a tiny tug, line spills off the spool, rotating the shaft and tripping a flag that pops up to signal, "Fish on!" Line spills smoothly off the spool until you lift the tip-up out of the hole, grab the line, feel for activity, then tug to set the hook. Gingerly hand-over-hand the fish in, lifting his nose up through the hole to the winter world above. Rigging tip-ups is easy, though there's more than one way to do it. As always, subtle riggings add finesse and increase effectiveness. Build a better fish trap, and walleyes will beat a path to your hole. * Hang in There! Small hooks hook fish best, though it's necessary to play fish carefully. Teflon and nylon-coated line retains curl after being on spool. Before fishing, stretch the line to remove coils.     Copyright 1997 In-Fisherman, Inc.