70 THE FISHING-ROD ; 



troller, he may generally be rewarded with 

 a good fish on trying his luck in waters 

 frequented by jack. 



From two o'clock in the afternoon till 

 four, is the best time for taking jack and 

 pike; though they sometimes bite as freely 

 from ten in the morning. 



During very cold weather, midday is the 

 best time. 



When the water is much discoloured by 

 floods and rain, they do not bite well ; but 

 as soon as the water clears they take the 

 live bait eagerly. If you troll for pike in 

 cloudy water, try close to the banks of the 

 river, and alongside sedges, rushes, and beds 

 of weeds, which, on such occasions, are the 

 favorite haunts of jack and pike. 



For trolling with the live-bait the hooks 

 should be lashed to the side of the fish, and 

 one only put through the lips : there are, 

 however, many other modes of using the live- 

 bait, and tackle is now made in great variety 

 for the express purpose. But notwithstanding 

 these ingenious contrivances, I have always 

 found I could kill more fish with the gorge 

 hook and bait than with any other tackle. 



