I like using a big sucker, ive used as big as 10-12" but i also prefer to go for big fish which means less hits. Suckers that size i usually have to catch myself in the spring and use as deadbait in winter.
if you are only using one rod for pike id probably jig a good size spoon instead but since you can use 2 per person id try to have one going with a spoon and one with the biggest minnow in your pail. If you are fishing perch with a group of people you will usually see a pike or 2 come in through the day ( you might not see them but they are likely around) its usually pretty obvious a predator is around as the perch tend to get a little skittish, however sometimes a pike will fly in out of nowhere and those are the ones you will get on the spoon.
Good luck, ill be doing the same thing!