Because of the water clarity at 11 Mile I use 4 lb. 100% P-Line fluorocarbon. The main thing is to keep it out of the crack at the bottom of the hole when playing a fish. I switched to fly reels so I don't use or need a drag. I use a tip-up with 30 lb. or higher braided Dacron tied to an equally suited swivel and wire leader with two treble hooks for pike. If you are new to ice, be aware of the pressure ridges. They can be fine to cross over in the morning, only to have open water in spots later in the afternoon. The reason I mention this is that the temperatures range between 30 to 50 degrees night and day on any given day. It can be 15 F, but the sun tends to thaw things out during the afternoon regardless of what the thermometer reads because you are above 8,500'. Bottom line, be safe. No fish is worth dying for unless you are starving. Ice was 13" a couple days ago. You would have to try very hard to fall through at this point. Good luck, tight lines, and Happy New Year!
