PIKE. 39 



cast the baited hook to many yards distance, 

 and within an inch of the spot which you may 

 think likely to harbour a Pike. 



On arriving at the river, or pond, where you 

 intend to troll, first try the bank side both right 

 and left ; then cast the bait directly forwards 

 as far as possible, and continue fishing close 

 but not twice in the same place ; always permit 

 the bait to sink near to the bottom, then gradu- 

 ally draw it upwards till it is near the surface ; 

 let it sink again ; now draw it gently upwards 

 in a zig-zag direction ; be careful not to take 

 the bait out of the water hastily, as it frequent- 

 ly happens that a fish will run at it at the very 

 moment that you have drawn it to you for ano- 

 ther throw. When there is a run, or bite, lower 

 the point of the rod towards the water, and at 

 the same time draw the line gradually from the 

 reel with your left hand, so that nothing may 

 impede or check the progress of the fish in car- 

 rying the bait to its hold in order to pouch it. 

 Do not strike until the Pike has had possession 

 of the bait about seven minutes, or till the line 

 shakes or moves in the water, then wind up th 

 slack line, and turn the rod, so that the reel 

 may be uppermost instead of underneath, then 

 strike, but not with violence. If it should be a 

 large fish, and the place open, give more line, 

 arid do not pull hard at any time, unless your 



