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Mink Islander · 01-18-2009, 02:23 PM

I usually set my 6 lines shortly before dusk. Use some 1 X 3s about 16 inches long, notched at both ends so I can wrap line on them easily. Painted Fluorescent orange with reflector tape on one end. I use 30 pd monofilament. You have to use at least an ounce of weight and and the hook has to be no more than 6 inches from the weight and the line must be on the bottom. Lots of rules but it lets you have six lines out. Makes it less likely you'll catch a laker. I usually cut a large shiner in half for bait. Just drop the baited line to the bottom and lay the line so it's in the middle of the hole -- so you're less likely to cut it chiseling out the ice later. I mound up snow next to the hole and stick the stick into it angled over the hole.

I check the lines at about 8 PM and again in the morning . Usually have a cusk on at least half the lines so it's reasonably productive. This big one was a nice surprise. The kids were disappointed it wasn't on the line last night when they ventured out with me.

Cusk is essentially a fresh water codfish. Ugly thing. Looks like a cross between a catfish (pout) and an eel. Slimy too. But excellent eating as you say. I find their rounder bodies a bit more challenging to fillet than trout or salmon.

01-18-2009, 02:23 PM	#4
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Cusk Tactics I usually set my 6 lines shortly before dusk. Use some 1 X 3s about 16 inches long, notched at both ends so I can wrap line on them easily. Painted Fluorescent orange with reflector tape on one end. I use 30 pd monofilament. You have to use at least an ounce of weight and and the hook has to be no more than 6 inches from the weight and the line must be on the bottom. Lots of rules but it lets you have six lines out. Makes it less likely you'll catch a laker. I usually cut a large shiner in half for bait. Just drop the baited line to the bottom and lay the line so it's in the middle of the hole -- so you're less likely to cut it chiseling out the ice later. I mound up snow next to the hole and stick the stick into it angled over the hole. I check the lines at about 8 PM and again in the morning . Usually have a cusk on at least half the lines so it's reasonably productive. This big one was a nice surprise. The kids were disappointed it wasn't on the line last night when they ventured out with me. Cusk is essentially a fresh water codfish. Ugly thing. Looks like a cross between a catfish (pout) and an eel. Slimy too. But excellent eating as you say. I find their rounder bodies a bit more challenging to fillet than trout or salmon.