Abstract: Ice fishing apparatus includes a solar energy collecting plate for location on the ice over a hole in the ice and a vertical arm. The vertical arm positions a fishing line and spool in the water for rotation about a horizontal axis. The upper end of the arm carries a bracket and a tip up alarm spring structure that can be cocked by a retaining structure mounted at the upper end of the arm. A release mechanism including a rod attaches to the edge of the arm rotates in response to rotation of the spool to displace the tip up alarm from a retention finger whereby the tip up alarm extends to a vertical alarm position.