376 PICKEREL FISHING. 



gimp-trace, twenty-four inches long, having a swivel at each 

 end, and one in the middle. The spring swivel, at the end of 

 your line, is to be hooked on the loop of your baited trace, and 

 you are ready for sport. 



"When you are thus prepared, drop in your bait lightly 

 before you, then cast it on each side, and let the third throw be 

 across the river, or as far as you can reach — still letting the bait 

 fall lightly on the water. In each case let your bait fall nearly 

 to the bottom ; then draw it up gently towards you, and again 

 let it sink and rise till you draw it out of the water for another 

 cast. 



" I have before named the favourite haunts of the Pike, but 

 when you are in a good water you should carefully fish every 

 part of it, for you may often have a run where you least expect 

 it : — weeds are a great annoyance to the troUer, and he will 

 often bruise his bait, and injure his tackle, unless he is very 

 cautious. At every new cast be careful to examine the bait, and 

 clear it from leaves and weeds, as the Pike is very dainty, and 

 will not touch a soiled bait. 



" The farther you throw your bait, if the water be broad — 

 provided always that it falls lightly — the greater your chance of 

 success, so that you are not interrupted by weeds, roots of trees, 

 &c.; and if the water should be very weedy, you will be com- 

 pelled to drop your bait into deep clear openings. 



" When you feel a run, let your line be perfectly free, and 

 allow the fish to make for his haunt without check -, and when 

 he stops give out a little slack line. By your watch, give him 

 ten minutes to pouch the bait before you strike, which you may 

 then do, by first gently drawing in your slack line, and then 



