For average-sized northern pike, a lively 5- or 6-inch ... you should be able to set the hook as soon as possible to prevent fish from swallowing the hook. I like to place the hook in the back ...

Pike swallow their prey head-first, so placing the hook farther back makes fish easier to unhook and is less likely to hurt the fish. Tip-up success: A freshly caught northern pike on the ice ...