TIIK IJKST WATKUS. ;i7«) 



TImmcs Trout, I Imvc tjiken many Jack, Pcrcli, and Trout; 

 hut 1 have also tVcciucntly lost my tackle, by the gut hciuj; 

 hitteu through hy the sharp teeth of tlie Pike. To remedy this 

 evil, gimp may be employed instead of gut ; indeed, the snap- 

 taeklc now generally sold at the shops is of this description, 

 but with larger hooks than 1 use, and coarser gimp. 



'' The angler must now make his casts in the manner recom- 

 mended in trolling with the gorge-hook, letting the iiait j)artly 

 sink, and then drawing it towards liiin by gentle touches, by 

 uhieh means the bait will >pin freely, and look bright and 

 glittering in tli(> water. When you feel or sie a bite, let 

 the tisli turn, aiul then strike gently, but still with sufficient 

 tpiickness and force to make your hooks hold ; and now, with 

 patience and perseverance added to these instructions, a com- 

 plete disregard of cold and wind, and a determination never to 

 lose his temper at tritliug disappointments, the tyro may soon 

 become a master." 



The best waters for Pickerel of all kinds are deep, slow, 

 sullen, shadowy streams, uith dark, creeping waters, and shores 

 fringed witii Piekcnl-wi-cd, water-lilies, and marsh gra.ss ; and 

 the best places in which to cast for them are the edges and 

 openings of the floating weed-patches, under tin- cuvir of which 

 they arc wont to lie expecting their prey. 



When the fish has taken the bait, the great thing is to give 

 him time enough to gorge it, and not to mar all by impatience 

 in striking before it is time. Once ho«jked, a steady hand, and 

 cool temiKT, will soon ensure his capture ; for though he is 

 strong and fierce, his boldness and incautious way of biting 

 |>crmit.H the use of very strong tackle; and though ht fights 



