98 DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 



readily to the movements of the lure. It is to the 

 bait, by its movements here and there, that you 

 must look to find the pike, therefore its load should 

 clog it as little as may be possible. 



The line is a matter of even greater consequence 

 than the float, as one that sinks readily and fouls 

 itself in weeds must stay the progress of the bait 

 altogether. Have a silk line, dyed dark blue, and 

 filled with liquid mutton fat, and it will glide along 

 the surface until the moment comes to strike, and 

 this you are much aided in doing when you can 

 see where your line is coming from. 



"Any sort of rod will do for live-baiting for 

 pike" is quite a common saying, and, no doubt, 

 were I called upon to earn a livelihood by catching 

 these fish I should forgo the using of a somewhat 

 costly rod that gives the maximum of pleasure in 

 favour of a straight strong stick with which I could 

 lift them out quickly. A rod made for the purpose, 

 and the best of these, is the one to have : you will 

 soon forget the cost in the pleasure of its use. 



Our man was not so ready to condemn the wire 

 as I have found most of his class to be ; even when 

 asked his opinion he opened and closed his mouth 

 twice before he ventured the remark that he was 

 not yet acquainted with it ; but he added, with a 

 shake of his head: "As you know, sir, we have 

 some big uns in this lake." 



The doctor was pleased with his rig-out, and 

 expressed his thanks by saying : " You are a good 

 sort, my boy." 



I replied that I had often been told that but so 

 far as I could remember it was always when con- 

 ceding starts. 



