3 1 6 Pike-Fishing. 



the pike is fascinated by the gyrations of a lure 

 which suggests a wounded quarry and an easy 

 prey ; or it may be that these rapid movements 

 have the desirable effect of concealing the forbid- 

 ding hooks when the -pike is contemplating an 

 attack on the bait. But if neither of these be held 

 to account fully for the success of the spinning- 

 tackle, there will still remain a sufficient explanation 

 in the fact that, by its use, the angler is enabled to 

 cover a much greater extent of water in a given 

 time than would be possible with either the float- 

 line or the gorge-bait. 



This method of angling with the spinning-minnow 

 has been already described. The same flight of 

 hooks, and the same method of baiting, are em- 

 ployed as in fishing for trout or salmon ; but gimp 

 is used instead of gut. A small trout will make 

 a good bait, but the hooks for it must be larger 

 than for minnow. As the pike loves the deep 

 water, the minnow must be sunk sufficiently to 

 come under its notice. Place, then, a small sinker 

 on the line, and spin slowly. In this operation 

 have more in view the style of spinning for salmon 

 than for trout; cast across and down, and bring 

 the minnow slowly towards the side. Bearing in 

 mind that pike may follow the lure till it is close 

 to the bank, always be careful to fish the cast out, 

 before withdrawing the bait. In trolling from a 



