186 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
that is, in a direction rather slanting down and across 
the stream. 
The depth at which the spinning bait should be worked 
depends entirely upon the state of the water with re- 
ference to weeds and other circumstances. It will be 
generally found, however, that in hot weather the fish 
lie near the surface, and in cold weather near the bottom ; 
so that the bait should be spun “shallow” or “deep” 
accordingly. 
The next question of importance is striking, as more 
Pike are probably lost by a failure in this point than 
by all the other casualties of spinning put together. 
It is therefore strongly recommended to all spinners, 
as the very alpha of their craft—and notwithstanding the 
opinions to the contrary expressed by many angling 
authorities—¢o strike,—and that the moment they feel 
a run. All other rules, such as “giving the fish time 
to turn,’ “waiting till he shakes the bait,” &c, &c, 
are useless, and indeed generally impossible in prac- 
tice. 
Again, the Pike, with many other predaceous species, 
shows a great reluctance to quit his hold of a prey once 
seized. Most of us have probably witnessed this tena- 
city in the case of both Eels and Perch; and the Stickle- 
back, as is well known, will let itself be pulled out of the 
water by its hold of a worm. On one occasion for the 
sake of experiment, I fastened a large cork to a string, 
