THE PIKE- GAG. 53 



and strong the bait swims, the greater chance 

 you have of a run, and the fish pouching in- 

 stead of blowing it out, which is sometimes the 

 case when they are not much on the feed, or 

 the bait is not very lively or tempting. 



And, lastly, remember when Jack-fishing, 

 either with spinning, live-bait, trolling, or 

 snap, in a place very likely for Pike to lay, 

 not to leave after a throw or two only, but let 

 the bait work the place well, especially if you 

 have seen a good fish move there before, or if 

 you have a run and the Jack leaves the bait. 

 Try every foot of likely water well, and if not 

 successful try again as you return. 



A most useful implement in Pike-fishing is 

 the Pike-gag, which I have found of great 

 assistance when disengaging the hooks. It 

 shuts up like a pair of scissors, and to use it, 

 the points A A in the sketch are inserted in 

 the mouth of the Pike, which can be opened 

 to the required extent by means of the bows, 

 which fit on the finger and thumb. The gag 

 is kept open by means of the steel extender B, 

 the teeth of which are made to catch on the 

 screw C, but when not in use this portion 

 shuts up on one limb of the gag, the notch D 

 fitting on the screw E, and keeping it secure. 

 The Pike-gag can also be used as scissors, 

 being very strong, and made sharp for the 

 purpose. 



