“That’s incredible,” said Tim Spreck, lobbyist for the Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association. “We expected a shot up from Mille Lacs, but not that much.” This winter, spearing, which almost exclusively targets northern pike, was allowed on Lake Mille Lacs for the first time since 1983, and many resort owners offered spearing houses with pre-cut holes and equipment for rent. This made the sport suddenly accessible to the metro masses curious about trying it but knowing no one with the gear.