I'm an amatuer but we concentrate on them probably 60% of our fishing time in Quetico.  Our experience is that big pike are more of a time of year fish vs. tackle/technique.  Early ice out in those shallow, weedy south/west facing bays near deep water is an unfair fight at times.  (There are times when I could have tied treble hooks some driftwood and caught pike.)  In our experience, sure bet lakes are Quetico, Pickeral, Pick Narrows, Batch, Cirrus, Sturgeon, Rawn Narrows, etc.. most of the larger lakes up north have been better producers than southern lakes.  I have a 7' med-heavy rod with AG Ambassador reel, braided line with Fireline tippet wth larger crankbaits.  Typically do not use a leader unless we are throwing spoons, which is not often.  I could send you a map marked where I have caught all of my 40+" pike if you like.