202 THE LEKARE. 



therefore answers the double purpose of swivel and gimp. 

 The hook itself is affixed to the lower extremity, or supposed 

 tail; and just above it is a small piece of red cloth, as 

 well for the purpose of partially concealing the hook as of 

 attracting the fish. 



As pike more especially prey on white fish, such as bleak, 

 or dace, a silver-coloured Drag is considered best; but for 

 certain waters, preference is given to imitations made of 

 copper or brass, especially if gilt, as is sometimes the case. 

 There is, however, much fancy in this matter. Some even 

 go so far as to plate one side, and gild the other. But 

 every one agrees in its being needful that the drag should 

 at all times be kept clean and bright. 



The line, which is usually of plaited horse-hair, and from 

 twenty to thirty fathoms in length and well leaded at 

 intervals, is wound round a Le/care, or reel, as depicted 

 in Fig. 2. 



The Drag is always trailed in the wake of a boat. If 

 there are two men, the one holds the line, and the other plies 

 the oars ; but should the fisherman be alone, as is generally 

 the case, he usually holds the line between his teeth. When 

 the pike seizes the Drag, it is needful to check it sharply, 

 that the hook may take sure hold ; also to keep the fish well 

 in hand, as otherwise the hook is apt to fall out of its mouth. 

 Occasionally two of these devices are used at the same time ; 

 but in this case one line should be considerably shorter 

 than the other, in order that should the foremost Drag 

 have the effect of attracting the pike from the strand, 

 the second, by coming across his nose, will present a temp- 

 tation that he cannot well resist. 



Though the Drag is specially intended for pike, other 



