spring pike baits

Places I've chased pike in the spring everything is different.  The baits tend to be a bit smaller and fished slower.  Spinners like Mepps #5  barely rolling over, bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow,  Flies in leech pattern about 6" long.  Lately I've found sluggos 4 - 6" working better for me fished just like I would for spring bass.  I've gotten away from live bait, mostly because of bait restrictions but the cool weather in the spring tends to make me want to keep active.  The new swim baits that are out have caught  my eye for what I plan to do in June.  10" swim baits in perch & shiner are going to get a work out from the kayaks.  With all the flooded shoreline on the Sak since last year I found some new/old shelfs to work near deeper water.  but thats a June thing.  I know there are a few dedicated spring pike fishermen here.  What are your preferred spring baits?  For live bait, my first choice is a 8" creek chub 3 ft under a float.  Second are jumbo leeches either on a jig or a short 20# lindy rig.  Deadlining a smelt or herring sprayed with WD-40 to release the oils works well for  the dedicated campfire watcher, got to have something to do to stay warm while I wait.  As far as soft plastics go I'm partial to slug gos usually dark but on bright days chartreuse, or white has done well.  I think its the slow dying sinking  that attracts them because I usually get the hit after it sits on the bottom awhile.  Casting spinners, spoons,  and cranks comes more in May or June for me.  What are your choice baits?