Live or dead bait?

[mnfisherman]

Will pike go for cut fish (like sucker or sheepshead for example) just as well as live fish?

The reason is because I want to target some pike through the ice, jigging on one rod and then setup a tip-up near by. Unfortunatly there aren't any bait shops nearby so live bait isn't an option. I do have some cut drum (for catfishing) in the freezer that I could use though and I'm wondering if setting up a tipup with a hunk of fish meat on it would be worth a try.

Opinions?

[fiskyknut]

I've caught numerous Pike on cutbaits of one kind or another.

[mnfisherman]

Could you please share with me a good way to present cut bait when using a tipup?

For example: approximate depth, size of cut bait, rig, hook size, etc.

Thanks

[scruffy]

i've had sucess using frozen herring, and also dead minnows, so i imagine using any cut bait would work. especially later in the season when some fish are already dying of winter kill (lack of adequate oxygen) in some lakes. the pike are used to nabbing a free and easy meal.

just rig your tip up simply, with a 6-8" leader, treble hook, and a spinner. you need the spinner to legally use the treble.

as far as depth, i usually look for 10 ft of water, and fish about 3-4' off the bottom. assuming the weeds aren't up that high. fish higher if your not sure, pike will rise.

good luck!