A WORD DETESTABLE. 75 



great and very serious objection to this reel is that eacli 

 coil puts a twist in the line, the result being that if, by any 

 chance, the line hangs loose, it kinks up at once. The reel 

 does not work in a satisfactory manner unless as much line 

 is wound on it as it will hold. A fine, plaited, undressed, silk 

 line should be used. Anglers who like this reel for spinning 

 might possibly get over the kinking difficulty by using the 

 old-fashioned trace, in which the lead is threaded on the line, 

 arranging their bait so that, in spinning, it untwines the 

 twists put in the line by the reel. With the more modern 

 leads (see page 67), the spin of the bait does not affect the line 

 above the lead. 



Trailing is a word detestable to most pike-anglers of the 

 South of England, for trailing is a system of fishing by which 

 the veriest duffers can, and do, catch pike. It simply consists 

 in dragging a spinning bait after a boat. In very large lakes 

 it is the best and almost the only way to catch pike; but in 

 rivers it is inexcusable. The secrets of successful trailing are 

 to row the boat steadily and slowly ; to adjust the bait carefully 

 on the flight, so that it spins properly ; to use a light lead, 

 letting out abundance of line ; and to trail the bait where the 

 fish are. In large lakes there is no better plan than to row 

 round, and as close as possible to, weed-beds ; and though the 

 weeds may frequently catch the bait, that nuisance should be 

 borne uncomplainingly, and, sooner or later, a fish will be 

 brought to creel. 



There are two reels — the Sun-and-Planet and the Bume — 

 either of which might be useful when trailing. When the 

 line is running out, the barrels of these reels revolve without 

 moving the handles, and the rod can be laid down without 

 any fear of a smash should a fish seize the bait. With an 

 ordinary reel the handles are apt to hit the boat, and, 

 by checking the free run of the fish, cause a break. 



Natural Spinning Baits. — The best bait for spinning 

 generally is a small dace. It is bright, tough, lasting, and 

 pike have a decided liking for it. A small chub also spins 

 well; but where chub are preserved, their use as baits is a 



