An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week.
A tip-up, also known as an ice-fishing trap, is a way for anglers to work multiple holes on the ice at once. Instead of sitting over a single hole and just waiting for a bite, an ice-fishing trap features a flag that notifies you when a fish is on the line. When your line is slack, the flag lies on the ground. But, when you get a bite, the taut line pulls the flag upright and beckons you to retrieve your next meal.
There are scores of tip-ups available for purchase online. Many allow you to integrate a full fishing pole, and other warning signals, like bells. But, a basic ice-fishing trap is incredibly easy to make. It only requires a flag, or other bright material, two sticks, a fishing line, and some good cordage or twine. Their simplicity makes them an excellent tool for survival. And, because you can make several of them to use at the same time, it only increases your chances of catching a big dinner.
Additional Resources
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