The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1902-07-25
JAeKFIsH OF THE SOUTH.
Denizens of the Small Streams
of That Section. /.

In general the fresh-water fish 4sof
the south are not SO game as those:of
the north'sp colder waters, and they
are not nearly of so many varieti ties.
In sea fish the lower waters have all
the best of it, says the New York Sun.
The far south has one fish, however,
which is an able fighter, requires good
angling, and is a glory to the table.
That is the jackfsh.
1t is really small pickerel, seldom
attaining greater weight than three
pounds, with long, slender body and
several sets of handsome teeth. 1t is
shouted like the alligator gar and, like
that predacious ruffian, eats any live
swimmer it is big enough to whip.
1t is, because of its long nose and
light draught, death on minnows,
which find it hard to get close enough
to bank for safety. 1t also pokes its
lethal head under stumps and roots
have fat time of it, getting more to
eat in proportion. to its size than any
other denizen of the waters.
It is never found in the waters of
the lowlands, but prefers the creeks
and larger streams of the pine woods
hills. These streams are always swift,
cool and beautifully clear, and the
jackfsh is therefore clean and
healthy.
1t strikes readily at any lure which
is good for bass, and fights much
harder, as we'll as being more difficult
to fasten because of the bony lining Of
its mouth. 1t is a maxim with south
ern fishermen that the jack must be
got out of the water in the shortest
possible time, else it will get away, be-
ing peculiarly expert in getting the
hook out.
It possesses great power, and IN
less lifted from it's element by rapid
tour de force will tear itself loose
from the barb. It is also a good hand
at diving straight for the bottom and
either rubbing the hook against sand
and pebbles or twisting the line about
a stump.
The jack is about the only one of the
southern game fishes which, when
tightly held and securely fastened.
will leave the water repeatedly in the
attempt to shake out the hook. This
sometimes happens with bass, but
very rarely, those fishes preferring
generally to fight it out beneath the
surface The jack will throw it's slen-
der body into the air and shake its
long snout in desperate fashion, there
4 To ha nj of he
angler.
1t inhabits almost incredibly small
streams-minute branches they are
| called-which run from far up in the
| hills. These are often not more than
| yard wide, sometimes less, and in
| pursuit of minnows the jack will go
| up them until not more than four
inches of water is between belly and
bottom. They have been taken in
| branches so narrow that they had
barely room to turn around.
In fishing in such places it is neces-
sary, of course, that the angler
should be cautious. He must walk
with foot of velvet, have a long rod
| and approach the bank gently. He
must not upon any account be seen.
When the strike is made the hook
must be reefed in violently in order to
pierce the bony tissue; and to make
| assurance doubly sure, the jack should
| be snatched from the water. There
| is not much chance for play in rivu-
let yard wide and foot deep with
stones and MOSES in it.
Sometimes, however, in pool of the
main creek, pool which may be 80
yards across and 80 feet deep, rooted
| over with interminging limbs of
giant pines, with only CLEANS of sun
shine here and there upon its surface,
four-pound jack may be hooked
from depth of ten feet, and then the
angler will have cause to thank the
maker of strong tackle. If the rod be
light or the silk under weight there
| will be a smash, sure.