SPORTING CHANCE
In Northern Manitoba we often used to like to fish,
Bringing home for supper many a tasty fish dish,
No live bait and no barb at all on your fish hook,
To do either you were classed as a really bad crook.
It gives the fish a sporting chance and tests your skill,
A better twist of the line, learn to know the fishes will,
Getting your limit then, was truly a good fair fight,
Seeing your pike and pickerel was indeed a great sight.
Even if law were to permit and barb on your fishing hook
I think I would still feel like a bit of a mean old crook,
Those fish need a sporting chance which I give with a will.
And then work hard on my old fishing skill.
I’d only use frozen minnows no wiggly worm to tempt
And for those who do this as a fisher I hold in contempt,
I suppose I do not have the right heart of a true fisherman,
Give it a good sporting chance is my true working plan.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 8 January 2006