Started with perch last year, but prior to that I only ice fished for pike. I like those cheap orange tip up thingees that are like $9. Once the flag is tripped, it free spools to let fish run. Plus spool is submerged so you don't have to worry about hole freezing over. I use 10lb test, don't forget the leader. Big honkin sucker hooked lightly through the back, no weight, hello mr pike. Love seeing that orange flag waving in the wind at you