One of the best feelings in ice fishing is seeing that red flag stick out from above the ice. There is the mad dash to the tip up through the deep snow. Then hand over hand, the line is pulled in, bringing a fish from the depths. You are on cloud nine while having your picture taken and releasing the fish.
You then come to the realization that the fish has peeled tons of line off the spool. Now comes the daunting task of having to wind all the line back onto the spool. It’s not that bad of a task but it definitely can feel tedious at times, especially in the cold. It’s still pretty fun doing tip up fishing but what if there was a way to make it more fun?
The IFishPro
The IFishPro is a contraption that let’s you use your rod and reel to fight a fish while having a flag as an alarm system like traditional tip ups when ice fishing. It can be tricky to explain in words so here’s a video with In-Depth Outdoors demonstrating the setup of an IFishPro.
The IFishPro 2.0 has improved the design by adding foam to insulate the base. As a result the hole freezes slower.
How I use it
(Keep in mind these are all my own opinions based on my experience. I am not affiliated with any fishing company.)
I bought 2 IFishPros so that I could fight fish on a rod and reel as opposed to handlining with traditional tip ups. Typically while I’m jigging with my main line, I have the IFishPro placed far away. This allows me to cover more water as well as offering a still presentation. Sometimes if it’s clear that the still presentation is better, I’ll deploy both IFishPros and simply wait for flags while I walk around or cook a meal.
Generally when a flag goes up, I usually wait for the line to be peeling off the reel. That indicates that the fish is swimming away and that is a good opportunity to set that hook. Then brace yourself for a battle. The benefit of allowing line to peel out lets the fish swim away with minimal resistance. This is useful for situations such as fishing dead bait for pike where it takes a little while before the hook can be set. Always make sure that you can easily check on your IFishPro at all times. If a flag is not noticed for a long time, a fish will likely swallow the hook.
Since I bought the IFishPro 1.0, there was no foam base. Using tape, I attached a foam liner to the underside of the contraption. It definitely helps slow the hole’s freeze. I’ve attached bells to the flag so that I would be able to hear the flags go off from a distance. These were very cheap modifications with great benefits.
IFishPros have definitely played a role in my success throughout my ice fishing career. I’ve caught perch, walleye, stocked trout and pike using different rigs for each.
The Good Side
As mentioned before fighting the fish on a rod and reel is very beneficial. Utilizing the drag and the bend of the rod gives you certainty that you are applying the right amount of pressure during the fight. For perch, walleye and trout, I use light line on the rigs. Too much pressure will cause the line to break which is why I feel IFishPros are almost a must in these situations. You also don’t have to worry about the line tangling or snagging on the ice like a traditional tip up in case the fish decides to do a peeling run. Plus I think it’s just more fun to fight fish on a rod and reel.
The direct competitors to the IFishPro are the HT Ice Rigger and the Clam Arctic Warrior. Their purpose is similar though the flag mechanism is different. IFishPros however have the base which prevents blowing snow and slows freezing. The black color also increases heat retention.
The Criticisms
I love my IFishPros but as for any product review I have to bring up the limitations of the system.
Even with insulated bases, I find that the holes will freeze in cold temperatures which requires a lot of maintenance to keep them ice free. If the line freezes in the hole, the fish may not be able to trip the flag. This is where traditional tip ups are superior as the spool can be kept underwater. Even if the hole freezes, the fish can still take line and trip the flag. Typically when temperatures are -10°C or lower, I leave the IFishPros at home and use normal tip ups. If it’s very cold though, I don’t even use lines outside the shack.
IFishPros take up a lot of room. This can be an issue for ice fishing where space is precious in the toboggan. Both my IFishPros nearly fill a milk crate. There have been trips where I have left them at home due to not having enough space. Traditional tip ups, especially the bar style ones, take up far less room.
They are definitely more expensive than traditional tip ups. A basic tip up with Dacron line can cost around $20 CAD. The IFishPro 2.0 currently retails at $65 CAD though with sales, it can cost somewhat less.
Final Words
Overall IFishPros are a useful tool but with all products really consider whether it’s what you should buy. They work for me but they’re not necessarily for everyone. Consider your fishing style, your transport and your budget. If you have any pros and cons that I may have missed, feel free to leave a comment.
I had fond memories of running up to the flags from a great distance. Some of my most impressive catches have come on the IFishPros. I definitely would not be selling mine anytime soon.
