THE BEST WATERS. 379 



Thames Trout, I have taken many Jack, Perch, and Trout ; 

 but I have also frequently lost my tackle, by the gut being- 

 bitten through by the sharp teeth of the Pike. To remedy this 

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

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

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



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

 mended in trolling with the gorge-hook, letting the bait partly 

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

 which means the bait will spin freely, and look bright and 

 glittering in the water. When you feel or see a bite, let 

 the fish turn, and then strike gently, but still with sufficient 

 quickness 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 trifling disappointments, the tyro may soon 

 become a master." 



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

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

 fringed with Pickerel-weed, water-lilies, and marsh grass ; and 

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

 openings of the floating weed-patches, under the cover of which 

 they are 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 hooked, a steady hand, and 

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

 strong and fierce, his boldness and incautious way of biting 

 permits the use of very strong tackle ; and though he fights 



