First Impressions of I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up promises a revolution in ice fishing, moving away from the tangled mess of traditional tip-ups. I Fish Pro aims to solve the frustrations of frozen lines and false flags with a design that accommodates various rod lengths and offers adjustable trigger settings. This innovative approach to a classic ice fishing tool piqued my interest; after years of battling finicky flags and frozen reels, I was eager to see if this tip-up could live up to the hype.
For years, I’ve struggled with conventional tip-ups that resulted in a pile of frozen line after a flag went off and left me with no fish. I specifically sought a system that would protect my line and allow for easy rod changes without re-spooling. I picked the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up after seeing its rod-holding design and claim of fewer false flags.
Unboxing the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up revealed a surprisingly lightweight, mostly plastic construction. The black base, designed to absorb sunlight for warmth, felt sturdy enough. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – the folding rod holder and wind deflector seemed well-designed, but I had concerns about the overall durability of the plastic, especially in extreme cold.
Compared to my old wooden tip-ups, the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up looked like a device from the future. I almost purchased the Frabill Pro Thermal Tip-Up, but I didn’t need the insulation, just line protection. The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up was also more appealing than the HT Enterprises Polar Tip-Up due to the rod-holding design, which allowed me to use my regular ice fishing rods.
I was excited about the potential for tangle-free fishing and quick rod changes. However, I was also slightly apprehensive about the durability of the plastic in sub-zero conditions; only real-world testing would reveal if the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up could withstand the rigors of a harsh winter.
Real-World Testing: Putting I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up on Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada, targeting lake trout and whitefish. The temperature hovered around -15°C (5°F), with a biting wind that made traditional tip-ups a nightmare. I set up three of the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up units in my ice hut, using various rod lengths and bait sizes.
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up performed admirably, even in the challenging conditions. The wind deflector effectively prevented false flags, and the adjustable trigger settings allowed me to fine-tune the sensitivity for different bait presentations. The rod holder proved especially convenient, allowing me to quickly switch rods when I wanted to change tactics.
There were a few minor issues during my first use; one of the slip stops came loose when a lake trout hit hard, and it required some adjusting to re-secure. I also noticed that the plastic base became slightly brittle in the extreme cold, raising concerns about long-term durability. Otherwise, the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up was a success, landing two lake trout and several whitefish with minimal line tangles.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full ice fishing season, the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up has proven to be a valuable addition to my gear. The bases of two of the tip-ups have developed small cracks, which is not ideal. Despite the cracks, the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up units still function, although I worry about complete failure in the future.
The plastic has shown some signs of wear and tear, especially around the folding rod holder, but overall the units have held up reasonably well. Regular cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent has helped to maintain their performance; the key is to avoid using harsh chemicals that could further degrade the plastic. The rod-holding design and tangle-free operation significantly outperform my old wooden tip-ups, making ice fishing far more enjoyable.
Breaking Down the Features of I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up
Specifications
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up boasts several key specifications designed to enhance the ice fishing experience. It features a 12-inch base and a 14-inch tall flag with a bright, 3-dimensional design for high visibility. The unit weighs a mere 2.2 oz, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to transport.
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up is constructed from plastic, chosen for its lightweight properties and ability to absorb sunlight. Its dimensions include a 13-inch width and a 6-inch height. Notably, the “Length” specification of “13 mm, 200 ft” listed is almost certainly referring to line capacity/length rather than the length of the tip up itself.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up‘s performance and usability. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry multiple units. The adjustable trigger settings and rod-holding design improve fishing efficiency.
Performance & Functionality
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up performs its primary job – detecting strikes and signaling them with a highly visible flag – effectively. The adjustable trigger settings allow anglers to fine-tune the sensitivity, reducing false flags and ensuring that even subtle bites are detected. The rod-holding design keeps the line protected and prevents tangles, making it easier to land fish.
One of the greatest strengths is the rod holder, which allows you to quickly set the hook when the flag goes up. The lightweight plastic construction may be its biggest weakness, as it sacrifices durability in extreme cold. While the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up mostly meets expectations, the fragility of the plastic base is a concern that needs to be addressed.
Design & Ergonomics
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up is designed with user-friendliness in mind, evident in its lightweight construction and intuitive setup. The folding rod holder is a standout feature. The black base, intended to absorb sunlight, is a nice touch, though its effectiveness is questionable on overcast days.
The design is generally user-friendly, requiring minimal setup time. The biggest challenge is learning to properly adjust the trigger settings, which takes some trial and error.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up is a significant concern, given its plastic construction. The plastic base is susceptible to cracking in extreme cold, potentially shortening its lifespan. Regular cleaning with warm water and mild detergent is essential for maintenance.
Repairing cracked components may be difficult. However, with proper care and storage, the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up should last for several seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up includes two slip stops and two triggers, allowing anglers to customize the sensitivity. While there are no official accessories or customization options, the rod holder is compatible with a wide range of ice fishing rods. Anglers could potentially add reflective tape to the flag for increased visibility or modify the base for added stability.
Pros and Cons of I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up
Pros
- The rod-holding design keeps the line protected and prevents tangles.
- Adjustable trigger settings reduce false flags and improve strike detection.
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to carry multiple units.
- Folding rod holder allows for convenient transport and storage.
- The black base helps absorb sunlight, keeping the mechanism from freezing up.
Cons
- The plastic base is prone to cracking in extreme cold.
- The slip stops can sometimes come loose during hard strikes.
- The lightweight construction sacrifices overall durability.
Who Should Buy I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up?
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up is perfect for anglers who are tired of dealing with tangled lines and false flags. It’s also ideal for those who want to quickly change rods and tactics without re-spooling. Casual ice fishers and weekend warriors will especially appreciate its ease of use and convenience.
Those who frequently fish in extremely cold conditions (below -20°C/-4°F) may want to consider a more durable option. Anglers who prefer traditional wooden tip-ups or require heavy-duty equipment should also skip this product. A must-have accessory is a small tool kit with extra slip stops and adhesive for quick repairs.
Conclusion on I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up
The I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up offers a unique and innovative approach to ice fishing, addressing common frustrations with traditional tip-ups. While the plastic construction raises durability concerns, the rod-holding design, adjustable trigger settings, and tangle-free operation make it a worthwhile investment. At $77.79, the price is reasonable, considering the convenience and efficiency it offers.
I would personally recommend the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up to casual and intermediate ice anglers looking for a user-friendly and tangle-free fishing experience. If you’re ready to ditch the frustrations of traditional tip-ups and upgrade your ice fishing game, give the I Fish Pro I Fish Pro Tip Up a try.