Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Apr 09/04) - So what's the secret to catching a big fish? In the winter, part of the trick is having your own fishing jig.

Last week, elder Sam Lennie gave a few SAMS school kids a lesson on how to make this ice-fishing implement and afterwards the youngsters were anxious to try out their creations.

"It was fun to make and now we get to test it out. I'm going to catch a fish this big," said student Jason Firth while extending his arms as far apart as he could.

Using muskox antler, a three-inch nail and bailing wire, Lennie took the children through the step-by-step process of making a jig.

"My father taught me how to do this," he said while wrapping wire through his hook. "You can catch any kind of fish with this, and muskox antler is the best material because it never cracks."

Lennie, who spends much of his time at his Thrasher River camp across the Mackenzie River, says the best part about making the hooks is bending the nail.

"Because this means you are almost done and can go fishing," he said with a wink.

SAMS teacher Jason Dayman, whose Grade 4 students took part in Lennie's hook-making lesson along with Chris Gilmour's Grade 6 class, said the students will get a chance to use their hooks at a class fishing trip planned for after the April break.

"I'm so glad the kids get a chance to see this and participate," said Dayman. "And we're really lucky to have Sam here because he's great with the kids."