242 THE troller's guide. 



reach a clear still place, either in rivers or ponds, with 

 the pleasure of observing their float dance about by 

 the live-bait sailing to and fro^ which certainly does 

 have the effect of drawing the Jack or Pike to the bait ; 

 but they often blow, drop, or throw it out of their 

 mouths again, from the gimp or hook touching them 

 when shifting the bait to pouch it. This frequently 

 occurs when the bait is hooked by the lip, which is 

 my principal reason for preferring the hooks laying on 

 the side, and gimp coming out below the back fin. 

 fSee Fig. 2. Chap. III. J When the water is very bright, 

 I use a strong No. 6 hook, tied to twisted gut, instead 

 of gimp, and a very small bait, with which I kill many 

 Jack and Perch that would not take a bait fixed to 

 gimp-tackle in very bright or fine water, or in shal- 

 lows, during the Summer. 



The most proper time for live-bait fishing is, when 

 the heavy weeds, rushes, and sedges, are rotten, and 

 daily wasting and being washed away by floods, frosts, 

 &c., which generally commence in November ; from 

 which time until April, Jack and Pike will take a live- 

 bait more freely than at any other time of the year. 



Snap-Fishing. 



Snap-fishing for Jack and Pike is neither so scienti- 

 fic, gentlemanly, or sportsman-like a way of angling, 

 as with the gorge or live-bait ; nor does it afford so 

 much amusement or profit ; for, when the hook or 

 hooks are baited, the Angler casts in search, draws, 

 raises, and sinks his bait, until he feels a bite ; he 



