132 PRACTICAL BAIT CASTING 



From the fisherman's standpoint, there is no dif- 

 ference between the above-mentioned members of the 

 pike family, except in size. 



THE MUSKELLUNGE 



The muskellunge (Esox nobiliar or Masquin- 

 ongy) known also by a dozen or more similar names, 

 but called the "muskie" by most fishermen, is the most 

 important member of the pike family. He is found 

 in Canada, in the Great Lakes and tributary waters, 

 the upper St. Lawrence River, and certain lakes in 

 Wisconsin and Minnesota. In the latter places and 

 among the Thousand Isles he seems to be the most 

 plentiful. 



Another variety, the Chautauqua muskellunge, 

 (Esox Ohiensis), is known chiefly from Lake Chau- 

 tauqua, certain streams in Ohio, and at one time was 

 common in the Ohio River and some of its tributaries. 



The muskellunge reaches a length of seven or eight 

 feet and a weight of eighty pounds or more. The 

 average weight is from eight to ten pounds. This is 

 considerably less than is generally supposed by those 

 who never see a "muskie" except when mounted, but 

 one must remember that for every thirty pounder one 

 sees mounted, a dozen or more smaller ones are caught 

 and are either eaten or thrown back. Only the good- 

 fcized specimens reach the taxidermists. 



The habits of the muskellunge are very similar to 

 those of the pike. He is a solitary fish who hides in 



