CHAPTEE IX. 



Pike, "Jack," "Eed Fin/' 



I SHAXL class this fish as game, although 

 "butcher" would be a more appropriate name, 

 because, if a large one, he will often feed when 

 not hungry nor too lazy, and will sulk when 

 hooked. He is cruel, lazy, foolish, omnivorous; 

 and the most inquisitive fish that swims in fresh 

 water. 



They are indiscriminately called jack, but the 

 pike, with us, attains to a weight of seven 

 pounds, whereas the pickerel is evidently a true 

 young pike, but the colors are somewhat lighter. 



The red-fin pike is almost a distinct fish, ex- 

 cept in manners and customs ; is more numerous, 

 rarely ever exceeds a pound and a half in weight, 

 and is a more toothsome fish, greatly resembling 

 our mountain trout in size, beauty and edible 

 quality. It is most appropriately called "red- 

 fin." 



Jack will bite more readily in winter than 

 at any other time of the year. I have broken 



