some may disagree , but the only line I would say stay away from is the coated line. In cold weather it coils up pretty bad, and can become a mess on the ice. We find, if you are fishing with someone , we both go to T U , and one plays fish, while other spools line leaving some on ice in case of a last run, it is a hoot. If you have not done t u fishing before, I would also recommend 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. when you get a flag, pick it up, and just put on the brakes, no jerking for hook set , just stop it mid run. The hook almost always catches fish in corner of mouth, so you don't kill it if it is undersized, or you just want to release it. We have released a number of smaller pike with, treble harnesses, as blood poured out each gill, knowing they would die. good luck , be safe, hemos, or pliers, and a spreader for the fish are a must