If you ask ten different people, you will get ten different opinions; but that's because there's more than one way to land northerns!
My tip-ups are rigged with 30lb test tip-up line. I'm not too particular with the leaders, but am currently using 20lb test titanium leaders. Steel and mono will work too, but I believe that steel tends to kink and has memory, which may restrict the natural movement of your bait, if you're using live bait.
I use treble hooks, and always hook the bait through the back, around the dorsal fin.
I only use live bait, and try to always use golden shiners. I like to have shiners in the range of 4-6". Some guys may think 4" is too small, and I agree with that to an extent, but the pike will still hit them. But you would be surprised at how often a smallish pike will hit a larger size bait. Using bigger bait also helps keep jumbo perch from setting off your flags.
As a rule of thumb, I usually keep the bait anywhere from 1-3' off the bottom, but never within weeds if it can be helped. Setting them just under the ice works well sometimes too.
Setting the hook is also a matter of opinion. I watch my tip-ups closely, to ensure that I know right away when a flag goes off. This is important for me, as I prefer to set the hook on the second run. Some guys set it right away, and that works too sometimes.
Again, this is all sometimes trial and error; nothing is ever absolute, there are many different styles out there, and you should definately try different things to see what works best for you.
Good luck on your trip; post some pics of what you catch!
