344 WHA T I HAVE SEEN WHILE FISHING 



I should say, he has had my bait in his mouth a 

 dozen times, and, although I have sometimes struck 

 with violence sufficient to pull him entirely from his 

 course yet, when near me, he has released the bait 

 from his sharp-toothed powerful jaw and retired a 

 few yards, and taken the bait again at my next 

 cast. 



You cannot therefore strike too hard or often 

 while the fish is running from you, but be quite 

 gentle when he is coming, or you may render him 

 valuable assistance while he is shaking his head 

 with wide-open mouth trying to get free. 



At times, especially when the water is very 

 clear, a natural bait is the most killing, but, as 

 a rule, a Spoon or the Combination Spoon and 

 Phantom will allure them. The rod must be stiffer 

 and stronger than that used for Trout so that you 

 may strike with such vigour as will move the bait 

 from the tight grip with which a pike holds his prey 

 and give the hooks a chance to get a hold of him. 

 There are a number of good bank swims on each 

 side between this and the ditch, where the water 

 flows gently enough for the laziest of roach, and 

 where the most fastidious of Lea and Thames 

 fishermen may suit themselves. 



I must say a word or two about the tricks that 

 are played with the said ditch. 



In flood-time the fish head up here for shelter 

 and food and then, when the flood has slightly 

 subsided, they are at the mercy of those who come 



