HOW MUSKALLUNGE ARE CAUGHT 14.7 



of Quebec, but in Ontario they are present in great 

 numbers in nearly all large waters. 



Muskallunge are caught either by trolling or still 

 fishing, according to the locality and their numbers. 

 The method generally practiced is trolling, a spoon 

 or minnow being most effective, though a piece of 

 fish or meat cut in a long strip will often prove suc- 

 cessful. In trolling, a hand line can be used, but the 

 better plan is to use a strong, stiff trolling rod, in 

 order to get the benefit of a reel. From the moment 

 muskallunge are hooked until they are gaffed, the 

 fisherman has his hands full. They are constantly 

 rushing in all directions, and frequently leap from 

 the water. Add to their natural fighting powers 

 great size and weight, and it will be readily under- 

 stood how difficult it is to check their runs, or mas- 

 ter them until they are exhausted by constant efforts 

 to break loose. This requires some time, as the fish 

 can not be hurried to any extent. It is in its game 

 fighting powers that the muskallunge differs from 

 the pike and pickerel. In fact it exceeds them, in 

 this respect, practically beyond comparison. 



A trolling outfit consists of a No. 1 braided linen 

 line fully 100 to 150 feet in length, Nos. 6 and 7 

 oval and kidney spoons (nickel finish), heavy swivels, 

 and an assortment of ringed sinkers. As a matter of 

 safety, a twisted leader 3 feet long should be fastened 



