192 



frequently you \vill find, that the hook, instead of having 

 gone through the jaw, rests by a very slight hold of the 

 point on some tough part, from which it is easily displaced : 

 when such is die case, your hook is in danger of snapping 

 at the bend, against which the point acts as a lever, when, 

 so situated. 



I consider it very hazardous to let a jack have more 

 line than lie will run off the reii when he first seizes the 

 bait; because he will to a certainty, if there be any 

 weeds, or other shelter at hand, go in, and lead you into 

 difficulty $ but circumstances must govern on every oc- 

 casion. 



When the jack takes your bait, if the water is clear, 

 you may see him to a great depth ; at least there will be 

 a perceptible agitation of die water, proportioned to its 

 depth, and to the size of the fish : for a jack generally 

 seizes with violence, even diough the bait be close to 

 him. 



At all events, if you do not see any of diese symtpoms 

 you will soon feel him. If you are prepared in the snap 

 way, strike firmly, but not with a jerk, lest you tear 

 away through his jaw, or break your hook. 



If you have gorging tackle, as described under the 

 head of Dead- baits, you must let him run as far as he 

 may please -, avoiding to check him, and pointing your 

 rod down in the direction he takes ; so that there may be 

 no hindrance, and he may not feel the smallest control. 

 Give him time to swallow your bait, which he will do 

 almost instantaneously, if he be of a good size, and not 

 too full of other prey; as sometimes happens. 



In general, a jack will lay quiet while he pouches the 

 bait 3 but if it be too large, or that any other jack be in 



sight, 



