328 GAME FISH OF NORTH AMERICA. 



Prof. C. C. Abbott describes this fish in vol. iv. of the Ameri- 

 can Naturahst. 



ESOCID^. 



Mascalonge. — Esox nobilior. Thompson. 



Common in the lakes, and in the larger tributaries of the Mis- 

 sissippi. In seasons of low water, mascalonge fishing is as good 

 in this region as in the Northeastern States. The fish are usually 

 of large size, from ten to forty pounds in weight. The manner of 

 taking them does not differ materially from that practiced in other 

 waters, except, perhaps in the fact that trolling from a boat is not 

 generally successful. For excitement no angling can compare with 

 taking mascalonge on rod and line from the shore, or by wading 

 out on the bars. To kill in this manner a thirty pounder and tow 

 him ten or thirty rods to shore requires nerve and strength, great 

 skill, and very strong tackle. Many of the very largest are fre- 

 quently lost by weak tackle and unskillful playing. 



Dr. D. C. Estes, an excellent authority on Western fish, says : 

 " For years I found it very difficult to find rods that would stand 

 this kind of fishing. At last I set myself up as an amateur rod- 

 maker for my own benefit. Obtaining some of our best native 

 timber, I have made rods that have never yet failed me or my 

 friends. I always supply myself with at least half a dozen large 

 spoons of different colors and styles, metals, brass and copper, all 

 dressed with feathers. of different colors. When I hook a masca- 

 longe or pickerel and lose him, I at once rest the pool for a few 

 minutes, (there is no danger of his leaving) then changing my 

 spoon to another color, I wade out and commence casting again. 

 And in nine cases out of ten I will get my fish. Often I have 

 changed my bait four or five times, and as many times had him on 

 and off, but finally succeeded in landing him. A piece of the belly 

 of a fish makes the best of all bait for the mascalonge if properly 

 cut, so that it will spin nicely. They will often take it when spoons 

 are no temptation. [See Northern Inland Fishes.] 



Y'l^Y-.—Esox liccius estor. Le Sueur. 



This is the only species of the Esocidcs found in the upper Mis- 

 sissippi. It is very abundant and attains to twenty and twenty- 

 five pounds in weight, but never to the weight of the mascalonge. 



