T90 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
an advantage, as being more readily seen; and in cases 
where the Pike are known to be of exceptional size, a 
bait of one or other of the two last-named species, and 
larger than a Gudgeon, may be desirable. As a general 
rule it is always safe to use a small bait when the water 
is low and bright, and a larger one when it is full or 
clearing after a flood. 
These observations are limited, as pointed out, to a 
comparison of the baits commonly recommended in 
angling works and used by Trollers. There is, however, 
a Pike-bait that is not recommended by any author, so 
far as I am aware, but which is well worthy of the atten- 
tion of Spinners: I refer to the Eel. It has been found 
by experience that Pike in stews prefer Eels to any other 
fish as food, and also fatten upon them more rapidly, and 
a consideration of this fact first led me to try the Eel— 
though doubtless it has often been tried before—as a 
spinning bait for Pike. It appeared only probable 
that the food which was most popular in a stew would 
also be most popular in the open river or lake. This 
deduction has certainly been justified by the result of 
my experiment ; for since I have used the Eel-bait I 
have caught both a greater number of Pike, and those of 
decidedly a larger average size than I ever took in the 
same waters, either stagnant or running, with any of 
the ordinary baits. Ihave also tested the one against the 
other on the same day and water, and the advantage 
has always been unmistakably with the Eel-bait, whether 
