I changed my tactics a few years ago and I've seen way more big pike on the ice since.
I will find a shallow flat...like sub 10 feet. From therein looking for the steepest drop I can find on an inside turn. I set my shack up on the deep side of the drop ideally somewhere in the 18-25 foot range as it tapers off into lake basin. Tip ups will go on the flats and we actively fish the deep water. We outfish the tip ups 2-1 usually when it comes to larger 30+" fish. Last winter I put 19 pike over 40" on the ice and I think only 5 of those came off tip ups.
Tactics definitely change a bit based on weather and how late into March I'm fishing....but for the most part the biggest fish in the lake are not spending the majority of their time in shallow water.
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