PIKE. 53 



all ! the fish stops ; I see he has not run more than 

 two yards of line out, therefore you found him at 

 home. Now, by my watch, I see he has laid still 

 seven minutes; very well; but have a little more 

 patience ; oh ! now I see the line shakes ; all is 

 right : ah ! he moves, he runs ; wind up the slack 

 line, and strike, but not violently, and keep the 

 point of your rod a little raised, for I have no 

 doubt, by his laying so long still, that he has got 

 the hooks safe enough in his pouch ; he makes 

 towards the middle of the river, and seems inclined 

 to go up stream. You say he feels heavy and 

 swims low; all is right again, believe me, he is a 

 good fish ; I see there is some very strong candock 

 weeds a head, and he appears desirous of gaining 

 them ; try and turn him, by holding your rod to 

 the left instead of the right, and lead him back to 

 the place from whence he started. That is still 

 fortunate, he turns kindly: ah! now he strikes off 

 again ; very well, let him go ; now wind him in 

 again; again he is off; steady, steady; mind your 

 line; do not distress it by keeping it too tight on 

 your fish: now he makes shorter journies, and 

 seems inclined to come in shore : very well, you 

 may now wind, and hold a little tighter on him, 

 and feel if he will allow you to raise and show him, 

 but be collected and careful. That is well done ; I 



