Tip-up backing line

[xjma99]

Hey, I know this is a tackle question, but it's specific to New England so I'm putting it here. 

Just got a few tip-ups of my own and am wondering what the best type of braid is to use on the spool.  Will any old braid work??  I can't find any ice-specific braids at bass-pro.  They have ice-specific mono....  but I think I'm going to go with fluorocarbon leader.  Thanx for any advice.

[Uncle Leo]

Yes any Braid or line will work. The line will stay in the water so no freeze up will occur until it hits the air. Back in the water and it will thaw. No need to use ice specific but nice.

[vtbassin]

I haven't been ice fishing for a few yyears but I always used some kind of ice fishing braid here is a link

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_120485&id=0073385190342a

[fmoore]

I know I'm a little late to this thread, but just use Dacron or what's called 'squidding line' Don't use braid. It's much too expensive. It's ice fishing, keep it simple.

[xjma99]

I ended up going with Woodstock braided nylon fishing line, which I think is dacron, or very similar???  Works great!!

[ArcticCat500]

Mason Tip-up Braided Ice Fishing Line, most likely the best stuff out there, theres a wax type plastic coating put on the line to prevent freeze ups, its easy to manage and when your tuggin that biggen outta the hole you wont need to worry bout tangles when spooling back up.  Just like a baitcaster I use 50lb, I dont do any backing on the spools, you use more but no worries. I've been ice fishing for over 25years or better and still use and only use Mason.

[spin king]

Mason Tip-up Braided Ice Fishing Line, most likely the best stuff out there, theres a wax type plastic coating put on the line to prevent freeze ups, its easy to manage and when your tuggin that biggen outta the hole you wont need to worry bout tangles when spooling back up. Just like a baitcaster I use 50lb, I dont do any backing on the spools, you use more but no worries. I've been ice fishing for over 25years or better and still use and only use Mason.

How much line do you put on the spool?  I plan on fishing mainly for crappie, but may get into some trout as well.  Also, do you add a leader on to the end of the line?  If so, how long?  Thanks.

[D4u2s0t]

I use whatever line came on the $6 tipups, not sure what it is but it's almost like a very thin shoelace kind of material... it seems like fabric more than fishing line.   We tie our snell hooks right to the line.  Caught plenty of pickerel, and haven't had any bite through.

[ArcticCat500]

Mason Tip-up Braided Ice Fishing Line, most likely the best stuff out there, theres a wax type plastic coating put on the line to prevent freeze ups, its easy to manage and when your tuggin that biggen outta the hole you wont need to worry bout tangles when spooling back up. Just like a baitcaster I use 50lb, I dont do any backing on the spools, you use more but no worries. I've been ice fishing for over 25years or better and still use and only use Mason.

How much line do you put on the spool? I plan on fishing mainly for crappie, but may get into some trout as well. Also, do you add a leader on to the end of the line? If so, how long? Thanks.

Sorry took so long to reply, I dont use leaders, but I fish with alot of guys who do, when the bites on I hook up as much as they do and when its a slow day, it still about the same.   I load my spools right up, there can be alot of waste but you can always tie the 2 lines if your comfortable with a uni or albright. Mason will last for years, I get several seasons out of it before reloading.