206 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
dexterously administered will probably have an effect of 
hastening the dénouement. 
Sufficient time should always be allowed to a Pike to 
gorge the bait—five or even ten minutes if necessary ; the 
fact of his having “pouched” will most commonly be 
indicated by his moving off towards his favourite haunt 
zmmediately afterwards. If he then remains quiet with- 
out moving away again, the line should be gradually 
tightened (not struck, although Nobbes says a “gentle 
stroak will do him no harm”) and the fish landed. 
BEST--GORGE. BAITS. 
Any of the ordinary Jack baits can be used with gorge- 
tackle ; but a Gudgeon is commonly the most killing in 
clear water, anda Dace or other bright fish in water 
that is swollen or discoloured. 
The best method of extracting the hooks from the 
fish when killed is to make a small slit in the belly of 
the fish at the point where the gorge-hook is felt to be, 
and, after disengaging the trace from the reel line, draw 
the bait out head foremost through the orifice. 
