THE PIKE. 



OF the voracity of the pike I need say but little. 

 I have frequently known a pike to take a 

 hooked roach, and have also had a pike seize 

 my roach float when playing a fish. In a 

 baited barbel-swim, I have taken pike up to eight 

 pounds in weight with a lobworm ; this in the 

 very early season when pike are extra hungry after 

 spawning, and will take almost anything that moves. 

 Trout-fishers hate pike, and with good cause, as a 

 small pike (or "jack") will do very great harm 

 amongst trout-fry, and these little " jack " are most 

 difficult to exterminate in a trout stream. 



The whole aspect of the pike is cruel, and the 

 teeth are naturally set to hold a fish firmly and 

 securely, pointing backwards towards the gullet, 

 while the long fang teeth on each side of the jaw 

 are in shape not unlike those of a dog. Let the 

 angler beware of introducing his fingers into a 

 pike's mouth, for a small three-pound fish will draw 

 blood freely, and will lacerate the fingers unless 

 the mouth is forced well open. A pike-gag is 

 indispensable in the outfit ; it saves time and 

 tackle, especially when spinning, as several hooks 



