A ngling with the Worm. 315 



diet is provided, do not stint the supplies. Bait 

 with three or four large worms, running each up 

 the line as it is threaded on the hook to make 

 room for the others ; and when all are on, bring 

 them close together, for their magnetic influence 

 upon a famishing pike is greatest when in com- 

 bination. It is chiefly upon their tempting appear- 

 ance that the hope of the angler rests, as, unlike 

 the fish-baits which swim freely about, they cannot 

 attract by any great display of vigour. Worm- 

 baits secure most sport when the water is " small " 

 and clear, and when the day is bright and sunny. 



Live -bait fishing is the easiest and simplest 

 method of angling for pike, but spinning with the 

 minnow is the most scientific. To the skilful 

 angler it will prove also the most attractive wher- 

 ever circumstances are favourable for its proper 

 exercise. In some weedy waters it is impractica- 

 ble, and its place must be taken by the gorge-bait. 

 Certain conditions of water and weather are generally 

 more suitable for the live-bait ; and the pike being, 

 more than any other fish, subject to external 

 influences, it is not safe to predict at any time 

 which lure will have the advantage. But taking 

 the entire results of an average season's fishing, 

 most anglers will be ready to admit that the 

 spinning - bait produces the best sport. Several 

 reasons may be assigned for this. It may be that 



