FISHING TECHNIQUE 



Spear houses on a Minnesota lake. 



enthusiastic and constitute the most active of our various classes of 

 anglers. 



Fishing is usually a warm weather sport, but in many northern 

 states winter fishing through the ice has long been a popular sport. 

 Certain fishes can be taken readily through the ice by spearing and by 

 angling. Spearing involves the use of a tiny dark house placed over a 

 hole in the ice in which is usually suspended a live minnow or other 

 lure to attract the fish. The fisherman sits in the dark house watching 

 the dimly lighted water below, his spear ready to impale any fish 

 which approaches his lure. This type of fishing is highly selective be- 

 cause the fisherman can see and choose his fish before spearing it. Con- 

 sequently larger northern pike and other fishes are taken by this 

 method than by ordinary angling. In many states spearing is now 

 eliminated or restricted by law. 



Angling through the ice is the most popular form of winter fishing 

 because it involves only the use of simple tackle. All the equipment 

 required is a hook, a line, a float or bobber, a short rod or stick, and 

 some implement to cut a hole in the ice. Usually a live minnow is used 

 for bait and the fisherman patiently shivers and waits for a bite. Less 

 rugged fishermen drive their automobiles alongside the holes and turn 

 on the heater and the radio. Great numbers of crappies, perch, and an 

 occasional walleye and northern pike are caught by winter angling. 



The catching of a fish involves many details which confuse amateurs 

 and bother even experienced fishermen. The correct method of baiting 



