PIKE. 37 



of the water, than to feed ; at such times a 

 snare is more effectual than the most tempting 

 bait the angler can select ; and if such be placed 

 so close as to touch its nose, it will generally 

 draw back from it ; and should you persevere 

 in placing the bait near it, it will plunge away 

 in anger. In fact, Pike are longer than any 

 other fish in recovering their health, flesh, and 

 appetite, after the act of procreation ; indeed, 

 but few will take a bait freely, and fewer still 

 are fit for table, before September. 



During the summer months Pike take the 

 worm or minnow best early in the morning and 

 late in the evening. In September and October 

 they will bite well all day, but best about three 

 o'clock in the afternoon ; and now the bait 

 which before was nauseous to the Pike, is be- 

 come very desirable, and will not easily be for- 

 saken by it. 



Pike, when on the feed, are as bold as they 

 are voracious, attacking and devouring all kinds 

 of fish, with the exception of the Tench : 



The Pike, fell tyrant of the liquid plain, 

 With ravenous waste devours his fellow train; 

 Yet, howsoe'er with raging famine piu'd, 

 The Tench he spares, a medicinal kind ; 

 For when by wouiuls distress'd, or sore disease, 

 He courts the salutary fish for ease ; 

 Close to his scales the kind phjsician glides, 

 And sweats the healing balsam from his sides. 



Pope. 



The following is the plan generally adopted 

 by most anglers when trolling for a Pike : 



