34: PIKE. 



Try all the still parts and bends of the river, pools, <fec. ; 

 also near beds of rushes, sedges, candock weeds, &c., in quiet 

 corners. Eddies and backwaters at the sides of weirs are 

 likely places for large fish. 



When a Pike seizes the live-bait, it is generally with 

 violence, and the float is instantly drawn under water; 

 keep the winch and line clear, watching the float as long as 

 possible, and hold a yard or two of slack line in the left 

 hand ; so that nothing may check the Jack while he is making 

 for his haunt to pouch the bait. If he runs rapidly, draw 

 the line quickly from the winch, so that he may not be 

 impeded. When he has reached his haunt, and remains quiet, 

 allow about ten minutes to pouch ; as a general rule, when 

 he has done so, the line slackens slightly. When you have 

 reason to suppose that the Jack is more inclined to play with 

 the bait than to feed ; and when you have a run, he moves a 

 short distance and stops, then moves again and waits a few 

 moments and a third time changes his quarters, then wind up 

 the line, and strike smartly the contrary way to which he is 

 running and you will probably hook him, in or about the mouth. 



[ROLLING or Gorge-fishing was formerly considered 

 the highest branch of the art of Jack-fishing, Spinning 

 being then little understood. 



The Rod, Winch and Line are the same as used for 



Spinning ; the Trace is of moderate sized gimp with two 

 swivels and without lead, the whole of the lead being on the 

 gorge-hook, which is baited thus : the loop of the gimp is 

 attached to the baiting-needle, which is then inserted in the 

 mouth of the bait, run it through and bring the point out, 

 in the centre of the tail. The gimp is then drawn through 

 till the bends of the hooks fit close on either side of the 

 mouth of the bait, the points turning upwards. Most ang- 

 lers tie the tail to the gimp with white thread, to prevent 

 it tearing when dropped among weeds. 



There are other sorts known as the Weed-hook and Spear 

 Gorge-hook, much used when the weeds are very thick. 



The best baits for Trolling are Gudgeons and Dace. 

 Jack are also taken in ponds (though seldom in rapid waters) 



