1. **Live Bait**:
- **Suckers**: One of the best live baits for pike. Use a medium to large sucker, rigged with a quick strike rig to increase your chances of hooking the fish.
- **Shiners**: These small minnows are also effective. Use them live or dead, depending on availability.
- **Perch**: Larger pike are often attracted to perch, which can be used live or as cut bait.
2. **Dead Bait**:
- **Herring**: Cut into chunks, herring is a popular dead bait choice. It emits strong scents, which can lure pike from a distance.
- **Mackerel**: Similar to herring, mackerel can be used as cut bait or whole, depending on the size of the pike you’re targeting.
3. **Artificial Baits**:
- **Jigs**: Use heavy jigs tipped with soft plastic or live bait. Bright colors like chartreuse or orange can attract pike in murky waters.
- **Spoons**: Metal spoons that mimic the flash of a distressed fish can also be effective. Try fluttering them to imitate the movement of prey.
- **Swimbaits**: These can simulate the movement of live fish and are available in various sizes and colors.
4. **Tips for Presentation**:
- **Depth**: Pike are often found near the bottom or in the weeds, so adjust your bait depth accordingly.
- **Movement**: Sometimes, a little jigging or movement can entice pike to strike, while other times, a stationary bait works best.
- **Location**: Look for areas with structure, such as underwater rocks, drop-offs, or weed beds, where pike are likely to ambush prey.
5. **Local Regulations**: Always check local fishing regulations regarding the use of live bait and restrictions on certain species.
By using the right bait and techniques, you can increase your chances of landing a trophy pike this ice fishing season! Happy fishing!
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