Gigging
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- For associated uses of the word, see Gig
Gigging, not to be confused with jigging, is an American South and Midwest practice of hunting suckers, flounder or frogs with a gig, or similar multi-pronged spear. The gig is a long (typically 8 to 14 foot) pole which has been tipped with a spear, often with three or four barbed tines similar to a trident, however gigs can be made with any number of tines.
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Sucker gigging
Suckers are a bottom-feeding fish common across throughout many parts of the US. The gigging of suckers for food occurs predominately in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Sucker gigging is usually done at night with lights to maximize the visibility of the fast moving fish. Ozarks residents of the past often waded the clear local streams at night and gigged suckers while using light from hand-held lanterns.[1] Modern sucker gigging uses specially constructed jon boats that have a set of lights mounted on the bow of the boat and a railing around the bow that allows the "gigger" to stand up and peer out in front of the boat in an attempt to locate and gig fish.[2] The lighting system is often powered by gas, a generator, or a battery.
Species such as Catostomus commersonii and Hypentelium nigricans are commonly sought for eating. They can be canned or smoked, but the most common method is fried. Traditionally, small incisions are made in the flesh (termed "scoring") before frying to allow small internal bones to soften and become platable. [3]
Flounder gigging
Flounder or flatfish live in coastal saltwater areas, and lie at the bottom of the shallow waters waiting for shrimp or minnows to swim nearby. Flounder gigging can be done in daylight, but is often more successful done at night using powerful lights. This method targets nocturnally foraging fish. The light is used spot the normally camouflaged fish. Traditionally hollow bamboo poles filled with coal were used for lighting, though modern lights usually use kerosene lamps. This method is effective in shallow, clear water where fish are easily observable from the top. The temporarily blind fish are speared with the gig, or sometimes can be collected by hand. During fishing events, an experienced person holds as kerosine lamp in the hand and point out fish for other people to collect.
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Flounder boat |
Flounder gigging can be done by wading stealthily in shallow water, but it is usually done from a flounder boat. A flounder boat is specifically designed for gigging flounder. It typically has a flat, wide bottom to provide a stable platform and the ability to negotiate shallow waters. Flounder vessels are navigated with a push-pole along the banks and flats where flounder may be lying. An electrical generator powers light arrays for viewing these flat fish.
Frog gigging
Frog gigging is often done with a four-tined spear. Four-tined spears are quite good for frog gigging, as they are normally heavier and less likely to break, and also wider, giving the frog hunter more room for error when thrusting the spear-tipped gig through the frog.
Flashlights are usually used to locate the frogs by the reflection of light from their eyes. This technique seems to stun or daze the frogs, and it definitely makes it less likely for the frog to see an approaching hunter, or the incoming gig itself. A fishing license is required in some jurisdictions.[4] and frog gigging regulations are usually found in each state's hunting and fishing regulations.
Although capturing frogs with a net or clasp pole may be referred to as frog gigging by some, this is incorrect, as a gig is not being used. Handling frogs with the objective of releasing them may harm the creature because chemicals can easily be absorbed through their skin.
- Frog legs are often cooked deep fried or sautéed.[5] The hind legs can contain as much meat as the legs of a medium-sized chicken. Traditionally they are breaded with a mixture of egg and bread or cracker crumbs. Frog legs, often imported from the Orient, are available at many restaurants or stores, particularly in the Southern United States.
- The country music duo Big & Rich mentioned frog gigging in their song "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)". The band Alabama sang about it in Red River.
- One of the most popular Texas A&M yells is "Gig 'em Aggies!" and was created in preparation for a football game against the TCU Horned Frogs.
See also
Notes
- ^ http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2002/12/10.htm
- ^ http://www.nighthawkpublications.com/journal/journal170-1.htm
- ^ http://www.nighthawkpublications.com/journal/journal170-4.htm
- ^ Amphibians: Laws by States and Canadian Provinces
- ^ Frog Legs Recipes
References
- Jacobs, Kevin (2002) Flounder gigging basics
- Brooks, Ron Night Flounder Gigging
- Thompson, Mike Mobile Bay's Midnight Raiders
- "Appendix B Control: Laws by States and Canadian Provinces". The National Academies Press. Retrieved on 2006-12-31.
- James, Clementine (12 November 2001). "The Joys of Frog Gigging". The Dartmouth Review, http://www.dartreview.com/issues/11.12.01/gigging.html. Retrieved on 31 December 2006.
- Link, Russell. "Frogs". Living with Wildlife. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Retrieved on 2006-12-31.
External links
- "Frog Legs Recipes". cdKitchen. Retrieved on 2006-12-31.
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