Thursday, July 5, 2007

Lassoing Fish Through Ice

1905

Unique Sport Enjoyed on a Potomac Branch Stream

In Hardy county, W. Va., the south fork of the south branch of the Potomac resolves itself into a series of fishing or swimming holes connected by riffles. The water is from two to five feet deep and quite clear.

When the ice forms on these ponds the men and boys indulge in a unique mode of fishing.

Three holes are cut in the ice in line across stream, at which are stationed as many men with snares or strip loops of soft copper wire that will tighten on being drawn round an object. These men kneeling by the holes watch for the fish to pass.

The others in the sport go, some to one end of the pond, others to the other. Those downstream, by stamping or beating on the ice with rails, start the fish upstream, when the men stationed at the holes try to snare them. The men upstream in turn drive the fish back past the holes.

The process is repeated again and again, until the mess of fish is obtained, or the enthusiasm of the fishermen is exhausted. — Country Life in America.

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