Question about simcoe perch/minnows?, Live or dead?

[Bees keeper]

Here on Lake Saint Claire in Michigan I fish with minnows mostly.
Live minnows sure make the perch happy and dead ones not so happy.
I'm headed up this season and wondering if they are finicky regarding the minnows health. And what is the best way to keep minnows while fishing on the ice? Seems they die off quick due to shock when I drop them down the hole.
I hook them through one lip.
Thanks

[baitcaster34]

I've been using minnow heads to tip my buckshots and cut the rest up for chum. As soon as I get keepers chasing my bait I throw the chum in too keep them interested in the area till I get my buckshot back down. Also red hooks/treble hook have been doing well.

[Bees keeper]

Thanks for the info.