We have had our best luck with tip ups spooled with braided line for Northern pike. The bait we use is Herring. This bait works very well in our area. When fishing and the flag goes up. and the fish takes the bait let him run until the fish stops. Then start pulling the line back SLOWLY by hand until you’ve taken the slack out of the line. Once you feel the fish, give the line a good tug and start pulling in the line and don't stop. When the fish reaches the hole, be careful and keep the line tight until your fish is out of the hole. Takes a little getting used to it without tangling the line but it easy. Good luck...