Best way to catch a big nordy

[frabillfisher]

Ok...times running out, we dont have a lot of time before ice out and i still havent caught a northern over 3 pounds this winter!...i know there in the lake i fish(I've caught a few in the summer and heard there were tons more) and we catch at least a dozen or so small northerns every time out, i had one big one on this year but it bit through my 30 pound test tip up line...wat can i do to increase my chances of catching that big one?I usualy use shiners should i be trieng some other baits?

[Bobb-o]

try a large dead cisco aboot 3 feet down from the bottom of ice in aboot 20 feet of water. If there are any rivers coming in or out of the lake you are fishing, that is even better.

[Random guy]

Check out some of these topics for some ideas.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=694478&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=691899&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[Gissert]

I helps to be on the right lake too. Lots of lakes just dont have many big pike in them. If you can make a run to LOW in March, you can get some fabulous gator fishing.

For you, locally, I would work the shallow weed flats on Ottertail. It might be a long time between fish, but there are some nice ones out there. Remember the special regs out there now.

[fisherking01]

I think you should at least take off the last two weeks of fishing season and get ouut there!!!LOL The last 2 weeks should provide one of the best bites for big pike, They've really started to move in the shallows of the lakes I've been on, I've been watching (spear house) and in the last 3 weeks they've really picked up. They are becoming increasingly agressive, and most have been in areas holding sunfish and perch. Shiners usually do the trick, but the cisco option gets results too. Like stated, fish it not too far down, a good rule to follow is the middle of the water column. Good luck gettin a big one!! ps, I haven't taken any spearing, might take one if it's the right one, and I feel like cleaning fish.

[njsimonson]

Tip-ups with frozen (then thawed) herring work wonders. Give it a shot. Big stinky baits RULE for pike!

[Coldwater Crappie Guy]

Catch them right in the Lip! HAHA

[frabillfisher]

Thanks for the pointers guys...im open for any more tips...