70 ANGLING FOR PIKE. 



is simple. Uncoil a few yards of line — a dozen is sufficient 

 for a first attempt — on to tlie ground or the floor of the 

 punt, as the case may be. Hold the rod in the right hand, 

 at an angle midway between an upright and the ground- 

 level; let the bait, trace, and 1ft. or so of line, hang from 

 the rod point. Hold the line lightly in the left hand, about 

 2ft. below the winch. Swing the bait back a little; then 

 swing it forward, with increasing swiftness, until it is on its 

 way to the point to which you wish to cast; then let the 

 line run through the left hand, and the bait flies out over 

 the water. If you have cast too hard, and the bait seems 

 inclined to continue its journey to the meadow the other side 

 of the river, close your fingers on the line, so as to put on a 

 slight drag, and, after some practice, you will be able to make 

 the bait fall where you wish. 



A cast of 30yds. or 40yds. does not necessitate very 

 much effort if the rod-top suits the bait. If the bait and 

 trace are light, the rod-top should be long and supple, but 

 shorter and stiffer if the bait and trace are heavy. If these 

 conditions are fulfilled, the spring in the rod will do a very 

 great deal of the work of casting, if the angler will only let 

 it. At the same time, the rod can easily be too whippy, for a 

 certain amount of stiffness is necessary, or the hooks cannot 

 be struck into the pike. Bait, trace, hooks, line, and rod — all 

 should harmonise. If the rod is very stiff, and the line fine, 

 the line may break if a big pike is struck. If many and large 

 hooks are used, and the rod-top is weak, the hooks will not be 

 forced in over the barb. If the bait is large, and the hooks 

 small, the pike will not get hooked. If the bait is small, 

 and the hooks large, a pike with any self-respect will not look 

 at the bait, even if it can be got to spin under those circum- 

 stances. 



"Well, the bait having reached the water, do not commence 

 to draw it towards you for about four seconds. It is as well 

 that it should sink a few feet; unless, of course, the spot 

 where you are fishing is shallow, or the weeds come near the 

 surface. While waiting, pass the line under the first finger 

 of the right hand, which clasps the rod. The rod is pointing 



