WINTER. 



79 



the rings. The art of trolling lies not a little in calcu- 

 lating the amount of freedom which it is necessary to 

 allow the fish. The general rule is that the pike, 

 having struck the bait, proceeds forthwith with the pleas- 

 ing movement technically known as "a run." The theory 

 is that, not to be disturbed or pounced upon by a big 

 brother, he retires to his lodgings, which may be near or 

 which may be a long distance off, to pouch at leisure. 



On no account should the line be checked ; and it is the 

 safest plan to allow the fish to pouch at even inordinate 

 leisure, if such be his inclination, and then move off on a 

 second excursion. By this time it will be safe to tighten 

 the line, striking being unnecessary with this particular 

 process, and to bring the fish in. The two hooks are not 

 in trolling affixed to the bony walls of the jaws, but in the 

 soft linings of the gullet, and there is no shaking them off 

 or breaking them. This is the general rule, but the ex- 

 perienced troller is aware that when the pike is a large one 

 it often takes the bait, slews it round, and swallows it at a 

 gulp, and then darts swiftly, and may be repentant, 

 away. Some five or ten minutes are generally consumed 

 in waiting for the moment when it is safe to bring to his 

 senses a fish that has taken your trolling bait in the regular 

 way, and this prolonged sensation of hope and doubt may 

 be fairly set off against the more acute excitement of 

 playing a fish struck with the spinning flights. 



The live bait gorge is open to the same objections as are 

 urged against the trolling hook, but it is a very convenient 

 method of commanding broad water upon which there is 

 no boat, and where your float should be despatched on a 

 mission of not less than thirty yards, the line being kept 

 up, while the bait is working, by three or four smaller floats 

 unattached. This is the only justification for using it, 



