1 66 A YEAR OF SPORT AND NATURAL HISTORY. 



overboard ; for the pier angler it is at least necessary that the 

 bait should be kept away from the piles, and this cannot be 

 managed without the aid of a rod. As a rule, it is advisable that 

 the bait should be some distance out, and here the rod becomes 

 invaluable, for by its aid the bait can be cast with greater ease and 

 accuracy than by the hand. 



The angler who comes fresh from his fresh-water fishing will 

 naturally wish to know to what extent his tackle and practices 

 have to be deviated from. As regards tackle, the conditions in 

 the sea are very different from those obtaining in fresh water, 

 where great lifting power is not demanded as it is in sea fishing, 

 owing to the many times increased weight of the paraphernalia. 

 If the angler is possessed of a very stiff bamboo pike rod he may 

 bring it into service ; but he will find it best to have an article 

 made about nine feet in length, and very much stronger and 

 stiffer than is ever made for pike. A Nottingham reel, with a 

 check, should be used, and as the line must be stout, a large reel 

 will be necessary. The rings of the rod should be large and of 

 the "snake" pattern, the top ring being furnished with a little 

 pulley wheel. This special top ring for sea fishing is supplied at 

 the tackle shops. I am not saying that a pike fisherman could 

 not take his tackle direct to the sea and use it successfully, 

 because this is frequently done. But anyone intending to take up 

 sea fishing will find it advantageous to have a separate outfit, the 

 work being too trying for tackle made for another purpose. A 

 strong pike line will hold any fish that is likely to be hooked from 

 a pier, though cod and lythe of ten pounds and over are not 

 uncommonly caught, and the rod will prove equal to playing 

 them. 



