302 PIKE AND PIKE-FISHING. 



I shall now, therefore, proceed to make a few 

 general observations relative to pike-fishing, and the 

 ordinary modes of pursuing it. The pike-rod ought 

 invariably to be long, stout in the material, and stif- 

 fish in the make. It should be provided with a reel 

 or winch of corresponding dimensions, and line to suit. 

 Of pike tackles, there are in common use three or four 

 descriptions. The simplest, and in certain seasons and 

 places the most deadly, is the gorge tackle. This 

 consists of a double hook, having a detachable arming 

 formed of brass wire. 



The lure commonly employed on the gorge tackle is 

 a small trout or parr, but it is capable, from its con- 

 struction, of being baited in various ways and with 

 divers delicacies and attractions, such as frogs, morsels 

 of bacon, &c., &c. In baiting with the trout or any 

 other small fish, enter the detached end of the wire 

 arming through the mouth, and passing it along under 

 the skin of the fish, bring it out again, avoiding the 

 vent, as near as possible to the tail or caudal fin. Draw 

 all tight, and observe that the hooks protrude freely on 



and temporarily dislodge and carry off their inhabitants. I can assign 

 no other cause for the fact, that, while in 1845 and the spring of '46 

 they were as numerous as I have stated them to be, they appear now, in 

 their former haunts, extremely scarce, so much so, that, since the flood 

 in question, although frequently trolling for them, I have not been able 

 to capture more than four individuals, whereas, after that period, in the 

 preceding season, I took upwards of two dozen. Taking, however, the 

 extraordinary circumstances of the case into account, I see no reason to 

 draw inferences of a different nature from those already expressed, with 

 respect to the increase of pike in Teviot an increase greatly encouraged 

 by the thorough-draining system pursued by agriculturists, inasmuch as 

 ever since that system has been acted on, an accession to the growth of 

 flags, water-plants, and pickerel-weed has steadily kept pace with it, and 

 thus there are formed strongholds and breeding-places at every nook and 

 bend of the river, suitable for these fish to lodge in. 



