The passive part of the equation means using a set line with large bait. Traditional tip-ups are still the best way to present oversized baits such as suckers, herring, and smelt to pike. These days, there are countless designs that do everything from jig the bait to set off an alarm in your ice hut. All pretty much do the same thing, however, and that's hang big bait. Above, releasing big winter pike, invariably females, helps maintain the spawning population.
Small pike are tastier table fare.
Your tip-up line is crucial. It's tough stuff and highly visible on snow and ice. Line visibility is important. Many large pike have been lost over the years due to someone stepping on looped line when a hooked fish makes a run. If you do use white line, keep track of it as you pile it on the ice.