40 THE PIKE. 



When the jerk is given let the line which 

 you hold in the left hand pass from its hold 

 gradually, that the baited hook may not be 

 checked when cast out, by holding the line 

 too fast, or that it may not fall short of the 

 place you wish to reach. 



Let the bait sink so that it nearly touch 

 the bottom, and then draw it up again gra- 

 dually almost to the surface of the water ; 

 repeat this two or three times, varying the 

 place a little. When the bait is taken, 

 draw out your line and allow the pike to 

 run off with it to his home. Give him 

 about five minutes to gorge the bait, and 

 then draw the line until you see him. 

 Do not be too anxious to get him on shore, 

 but play him cautiously, and keep him 

 from the stumps and the weeds. The baits 

 keep best in a tin box, with bran to absorb 

 the moisture. 



For fishing spring snap, with a live bait, 

 the rod and line must be strong. Tie to a 



