LIVE-BAIT FISHING. 47 



being tied round the body, and strong hooks and 

 a large bait used. 



All these ways* however, are unworthy of the 

 true angler, who exercises his skill and art more 

 for amusement than profit, and should only use 

 the rod and line. 



CHAPTER VII. 



WHEN, AND HOW, TO FISH WITH LIVE-BAIT FOR 

 PIKE STRIKING AND LANDING THE FISH 

 PIKE-GAG. 



THE best time for live-bait fishing is when the 

 heavy weeds are rotten, and are, together with 

 rushes and sedges, daily wasting, and being 

 washed away by floods, etc., which generally 

 commence about November. From October 

 till March, Pike will take a live-bait more freely 

 than at any other time of the year. 



Fix the float at a proper distance from the 

 live-bait, which as a general rule should not be 

 less than three feet, but is sometimes required 

 considerably deeper ; for, to fish a hole of ten 

 feet in depth, and tolerably clear of weeds at 

 bottom, I should certainly not fish less than 

 seven feet deep ; that is, I should have the float 

 that distance from the live-bait. 



Commence by casting in your bait gently 



