Rhode Island American, Statesman And Providence Gazette

FISH STORIES. Pike And Pickerel.—The latter of these fish is very common in the ponds, lakes &c. of the U. States. The former, are much more rare, though the difference in the two is merely size, the Pickerel being much smaller than the Pike.

Pike were first introduced for the table in England, in the reign of Henry VIII, and were so rare that a Pike brought double the price of lamb, and a pickerel more than a fat capon. According to the old distich

Turkies, Carps, Hops, Pickerel and Beer,
Came into England all in one year.

Daniel, however, discredits this, and dates the discovery of Turkies and Hops in 1524, and Carp and Pike much earlier.

The enormous size and great voracity of Pike and Pickerel, have given rise to many magnificent fish stories. In the Lakes of Lapland, these fish are sometimes found, eight feet in length, and are so abundant as to be dried and exported, like our cod-fish. Pennant speaks of one that was very righteously choaked, in attempting to swallow another of its own species, and Dr. Plot relates, that a pike seized the head of a swan, while feeding under water, and gorged so much of the neck, that both fish and bird were taken up dead. Gesner avers that a hungry pike seized the lips of a mule that was drinking, and would not let go till dragged out of the water. In 1765 a pike was caught in the river Ouse, weighing 28 pounds, in the body of which was found a watch with chain and two seals. These had belonged to a parson drowned in the river about six weeks before. In 1798 two gentlemen angling, observed a Pike seize a dog that was lapping the water, and the tenacity of its hold was such that the dog drew out a seven pound fish. In the same manner a yearling calf drew out from the river Blackwater, a pike weighing thirty five pounds. In the River Shannon and Lough Corrib, Ireland, they have been found of nearly 70 pounds weight. In some parts of France, this fish is caught by attaching baits with short lines to the legs of Ducks, which are sent into the pond. The fish seizes the bait, and then the struggle commences, the ducks immediately making for the shore, where they land their spoil, though sometimes the fish gets the mastery, and pulls his enemy under water. Pike live to a great age. One ninety years old is mentioned, and Gesner avers that a pike taken in Swabia, in 1497, had a brazen ring attached to it, denoting that he was put into that lake, by Frederic the Second, in 1230, thus making him 267 years old!

Pennant modestly admits he never heard of a pike in England, over thirty five pounds, but Daniel relates as an undisputed fact, that in 1751 Colonel Thornton took one in Scotland, wanting only two ounces of fifty pounds. This feat too, was achieved by the angler in trolling, that is, with a rod and line. The Colonel was an hour and a quarter, in playing his fish, before he submitted to his fate. Being in a boat, he could humour his motions, and but for this circumstance the account must have been set down as a fable. It is probable too, that the Colonel had plenty of landing nets and other assistance at hand. Another pike weighing 34 lbs. was taken by the troll in 1792, by a Mr. Bint, and another by a Mr. Wilson, weighing 28 pounds. In 1804, a pike of 30 pounds was taken from the water, having been choaked by a carp weighing ten pounds.

The cost of maintaining one of these over grown fish, in a pond, is immense. Sir Cecil computed that one which in 22 years had grown to 36 pounds,—must in that time have destroyed 24,000 fish. Bowker says that one put into a pond weighing 35 pounds, in one year consumed every fish in it. Fresh supply was made, but they too soon disappeared. He was then fed upon fish; entrails &c. and was often observed to draw ducks &c. under water. Being neglected, he finally died for want of food.

But after all, these fish are not remarkable for flavor, though they make a tolerable boil. They however, rank among the legitimate game of the classic angler, and come next to Trout, in the sport they afford at the end of a rod.