hard water pike

Hi folks, Been up north guiding northern pike the last few days.  Still 14" of ice where we fished, but the shore line is getting thin.  It is the time of the year where a ladder or a board are helpful getting off the ice.  The shoreline ice is the first to recede and caution is advised when getting on or off.  Been unseasonably cool this week so the integrity of the ice is still good.  We fished a shallow bay that dumps into deep water two days in a row.  There is a small stream that enters into the bay and it is a dark bottomed mucky area that supports new weed growth early in the season.  Perfect spawning water for pike.  We landed 5 male northern in the mid 20" range and lost a fish.  We hooked pike in 2' to 18' of water.  Not sure the northerns have blasted into the spawning areas in full force yet.  We fished with small golden shiners as that was the only bait we could purchase. We had a lot of tip ups spread out well and the whole area covered thoroughly. Not a lot of luck fishing perch and we managed to jig one pike.  The pike fishing will only get better, it is a matter of whether the ice holds up.  Remember to obey the bait laws and keep VHS at home.  have fun, Willy