420 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



they often are. If this happens to be the case, the bait 

 must be gently passed into the water, and will be more 

 easily managed with a float, as with the length of line re- 

 quired in pickerel-fishing it is impossible otherwise to main- 

 tain a proper depth for the bait, which should, as far as 

 possible, be made to swim at mid-water. This is effected 

 by the float keeping the bait up, and the shotted line pre- 

 venting its rising to the surface. If the bait seeks the 

 weeds or other shelter it must be stopped, and if dull and 

 sluggish, it must be stimulated by a gentle shaking of the 

 rod. When removing the bait for a fresh throw, great 

 care should be taken to do this gently, as a very little 

 extra force will make a great difference in the duration of 

 the life of the fish ; and not only so, but the gentle mode 

 will give the bait less pain than any other. The use of 

 live baits is always more or less cruel, and surely every 

 unnecessary degree of pain should be avoided. When the 

 bait is seized by the pickerel, which may be known by the 

 float disappearing under the water, be very careful to allow 

 him to carry it off without restraint, and for this purpose 

 draw off the line with the hand, and let it run loosely 

 through the rings. If the slightest impediment occurs he 

 will be sure to blow it out, and your hopes are blasted. 

 After a short time, during which he has been quietly 

 gorging the bait, he will again move off, and then is the 

 time to strike, which you may do sharply, but not roughly. 

 If this is cleverly done, the fish is firmly attached to the 

 line, which, if of good materials and the hooks equally 

 efficient, will land your fish for you with the aid of a little 

 skilful management. Pickerel may be played with great 



