THE PIKE. 899 



by what is termed dipping ; the hook used is a long-sized 

 gorge, very slightly leaded on the shank, and baited as in 

 trolling, only the mouth is to be sewed up, and the back fin 

 cut away, and then looped to the swivel ; the line is let out 

 from the reel to a convenient length, and the bait is dropped 

 in any small openings where the water is not very deep, nor 

 overspread with docks and weeds. The fish hanging with 

 his head downwards, will, when gently moved (and all baits, 

 especially dead ones, should be kept in constant motion) 

 shoot and play about the weeds so naturally, that the pike 

 will be eager in taking it this way, even from the surface. 

 When the bait is seized, the line is to be slackened, and the 

 pike allowed line to run ; in a short time it will be per- 

 ceived to shake, which is a single strike ; when hooked he 

 must be cautiously managed, winding up the line gradually ; 

 in getting the pike through the weeds, endeavour to keep his 

 nose above them, and use the landing-net in taking him 

 from the water. In this method, the baits must be as fresh 

 as possible. We have given a representation of the gorge- 

 hook, baited, plate xvi. fig. 1. 



March is the best time for snap-fishing, the pike being 

 then very shy of gorging, although they seize the bait with 

 seeming eagerness. The rod should be twelve feet, and pur- 

 posely made for it. Those expressly manufactured for pike 

 fishing, by Mr. John Cheek, 132, Oxford-street, London, are 

 the best we have seen ; and his newly- invented rod, con- 

 taining four in one^ is invaluable to those who go a 

 distance from home, and especially to travellers. It answers 

 as a fly-rod for spinning, bottom-fishing, or trolling for pike ; 

 and is made of the best seasoned hickory, in ^n^ joints, with 

 the various tops, winch fittings, socket, spear, landing handle, 

 and partition bag, finished in the best manner and warranted, 

 for the low sum of twenty-eigHt shillings. Indeed long ex- 



