There are lakes around here with hybrids and they are something. I fish the deeper channels with a drop shot rig, holding the bait just above the bottom. I have never caught one more than a foot or so off the bottom. You will need to experiment with what reel works best for you. I have been using a spincast reel with a lot of 6 pound test. When they hit I push the rod down the hole and let them make the first run without the line rubbing the edge of the ice. After the initial run I fight them in a conventional way. I have started using circle hooks to see if it stops them from taking the hook so deep. I don't think you will need any kind of a strike indicater and don't lay the rod down without watching it. They only hit half as hard in the winter, so it is like a small run a way train.
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