Summertime bass anglers may shun pike when they bite, but come winter, many anglers get excited about ice fishing for northern pike. And why not? They are widespread, aggressive and easy to catch.

Fishing with tip-ups is one of the most low-tech, enjoyable ways to ice fish. When I was in high school, my buddies and I would set out a spread of tip-ups and then just wait for a flag while cooking ...