30 PIKE. 



alone, and without a gaff, then draw him as close as possible 

 and keeping the line tight, grasp the Pike behind the gills, 

 arid throw him up a few yards on the grass." 



fISHING for Jack with a Live-bait, and a cork float 

 attached to the line, is certainly the most popular, as it 

 also is undoubtedly the easiest. The small amount of 



labour required is probably the cause of many preferring 



it, as it allows them frequent opportunities of resting, when 

 they arrive at a still, quiet place, either in rivers or lakes. 

 The spinning-rod of mottled cane will do equally well for live 

 baiting, using a stiffer top. Many anglers use the wooden 

 winch when live-bait-fishing ; when you have a run (as a 

 "bite" is termed in Jack-fishing) and the rod is lying on the 

 ground, it has the great advantage of allowing the line to run 

 off freely, otherwise it is necessary to leave a few yards of 

 line loose on the ground, to allow the Jack, after taking the 

 bait, to run to the haunt where he feeds, without hinderance ; 

 a rod-rester to keep the rod from the ground, is very useful. 

 For live-baiting I prefer a fine line, as it will float for a con- 

 ^siderable time, and is consequently less liable to become 

 entangled with the bait (it will float better still, if it be rubbed 

 with strong palm oil). The line should be from fifty to eighty 

 yards, of prepared plaited silk. Always have a line long 

 enough at first, for when in constant use, and with the 

 occasional strain on it, of a twelve or fifteen pound Pike, 

 besides the friction of the rings, you will find it necessary to 

 break off, now and then, a. yard or two from the working end, 

 to keep it in good order. 



The Float I use is of the following shape, with a hole entirely 

 through it ; the line being run through, push in a small plug, 

 as in the sketch : 



