ICE-FISHING FOR GREAT PIKE 



spare line was "bunched." Three or four turns were 

 made about the middle of the skein and the end of 

 the line passed under the wrapping. (See the illustra- 

 tion.) When a fish seized the bait, he would pull out 

 the loop and the skein would automatically fall apart. 

 The scheme is a good one for a heavy set line. 



If the fisherman plans upon watching his lines, then 

 he may use a "tip-up," or even a twig thrust into the 

 surface of the ice or snow. But always the line should 

 be attached to a stick midway between either end, 

 and long enough so that, should an obstreperous great 

 pike swallow the bait and start for the lower end of 

 the lake, he will find it impossible to take the whole 

 outfit with him. Not simply a hunger for baked great 

 pike, but common humanity will seek to prevent the 

 escape of a well-hooked fish with an outfit. 



The line should be rather heavy. The old-fashioned 

 trolling or chalk line is ideal, being strong and com- 

 paratively cheap. There is no necessity for expensive 

 braided silk when it comes to set lines. Cheap cotton 

 will serve as well or better. The hook must be heavy 

 and well made, say, size 7-0 or 8-0 ringed Kirby, 

 with a wire gimp or leader, to which are attached one 

 or two swivels. (The "fussy" fisherman will gimp his 

 own hooks.) A rather heavy sinker, No. 6 or 7, will be 

 required, in order to get the line out quickly. Where 

 there is much current, two sinkers may be required 

 and used. So much for the tackle. Now for the bait. 



I have experimented quite at length in the -matter 

 of baits, and have come to the conclusion that there is 

 just one best bait for winter use — minnows, shiner 

 minnows. A strip of pork, cut long and thin, is good 

 for an over-night bait when needs must, but a live 



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