I try to carry big smelt, herring, & anchovies if possible. A few years ago I fished 3 ice tournaments and each tournament a different bait worked WAY better than the other 2. I would really like to get a supply of 7-12" suckers though, I only have small ones. I love dying the baits RED, it looks so good in the water, but I haven't really had better or worse days with it. Try making your quick strick rigs with red trebles. I use nothing but barbless, quick strike rigs for pike.