598 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



under these circumstances, in most waters, is the 

 live bait ; but even this method — in which the pleasure 

 of the fisherman is so much sacrificed to that of the 

 fish — will often fail. The presence of melted snow in 

 the water, however small the proportion may be, will 

 almost invariably prove fatal to Pike fishing, as to every 

 other description of fishing without exception. 



Probably a good breeze from whatever quarter it may 

 blow is favourable for Jack fishing, and particularly for 

 spinning ; whilst with regard to Water the only rules 

 which can be considered to have any general significance 

 are that a full fresh stream, the rising that precedes a 

 flood, and the clearing that follows it, usually give heavier 

 baskets than a water that is low or bright. 



As regards the Where of spinning : — The haunts 

 of Pike vary considerably at different times of the 

 year, and also vary with the nature of particular wa- 

 ters ; but it usually prefers a still, unfrequented spot 

 plentifully supplied with weeds and flags, selecting if 

 possible a gravelly or sandy bottom. The neighbour- 

 hoods of reeds, docks, bulrushes, and the broad-leaved 

 water-lily are its favourite resorts ; and of these a floor- 

 ing of lilies, with from four to six feet of quiet current 

 over it, and a wall of reeds at the side, springing from 

 the bottom, is the best — 



" A league of goss washed by a slow broad stream 

 That, stirr'd with languid pulses of the oar, 

 Waves all its lazy lilies and creeps on. . . . '* 



