33 



the more certain), and brought out either at the 

 middle of its side or just before the vent. 



By some anglers the treble snap is preferred : 

 this is made by bracing three such hooks together, 

 so that their points stand out from each other, and 

 then securing them to a piece of gimp, which is 

 inserted by means of a baiting-needle at the vent, 

 and carried out at the mouth, which is afterwards 

 sewed up and perforated by a lip- hook. 



The best baits are gudgeons and dace of a mid- 

 dling size; but in default of these, roach, bleak, 

 small trout, or salmon fry. 



A cork float is necessary, about the size of a com- 

 mon Burgundy pear, with a small pistol bullet or 

 two, not only to poise it, but to keep the bait at a 

 proper depth. 



Whatever may be the length or thickness of your 

 line, you will find it useful to have a small swivel 

 on it somewhere ; if within a yard of your hook, 

 the better. 



When the pike takes your bait, if the water is 

 clear, you may see him at a great depth ; at least 

 there will be a perceptible agitation of the water, 

 proportioned to its depth, and the size of the fish : 

 for a pike generally seizes with violence, even 

 though the bait be close to him. 



At all events, if you do not see any of these symp- 

 toms, you will soon feel him. If you are prepared 

 with the snap, strike firmly, but not with a jerk, lest 

 you tear away through his jaw, or break your hook. 



You should be extremely careful in your manage- 

 ment of a pike when hooked ; for he will, if possible, 

 run into the most desperate situations, and try the 

 strength of your tackle by various stratagems. 



Treat him tenderly, for his mouth is very hard, and 



