PRACTICAL ESSAY. 22Q 



considerable motion. I never approved of that dull way, because 

 a pike, if he bites, commonly rises at it the first throw, though he 

 may sometimes snap at it when you have the least thought of him. 

 " As to the nature or constitution of the river, the deeper is gene- 

 rally the better and the safest harbour, although they delight in a 

 middle retirement. About four feet in depth is a right proportion, 

 and the best pitch for the troller ; for if it be much deeper, they are 

 the more difficult to stir and harder to find ; and if shallower, they 

 will be apt to see you. Small Jack will often lie within two, or 

 sometimes one foot in water : it is the wisest course in such places 

 to keep at a distance, and not come near the river till the bait is in. 



"THE BEST SEASONS FOR TROLLING. 



" Though the depth of winter cannot be recommended for ang- 

 ling, yet there are some days in December or January that a man 

 may pick out to stand two or thee hours by the river-side ; but the 

 weather must be open and temperate : the great fish will be soonest 

 enticed with the bait at that time of the year, because they lie deep, 

 and are not so careful of their own preservation. There is another 

 great advantage for the winter troller: the weeds are then down and 

 rotten, which are a great hindrance, both for throwing the bait, and 

 in keeping the fish from the sight of it. Though a pike delights 

 much among the weeds, and usually takes his abode there, yet it is 

 very difficult to take him there, except it be with the snap ; for if 

 you give him the liberty of running and playing with your bait, he 

 winds himself so fast about the weeds that you may be in some 

 danger of losing both your fish and your hook, if your line is not 

 very strong : if you take a snap, you will be troubled with them, 

 for they are great enemies to that. 



"To begin the year, February is the first and not the worst 

 month the troller can pitch upon for his sport, after Candlemas, if 

 the season is moderate, and the water in tune, which is very rare ; 

 |for if it is not a flood, as it is often at that time, yet the ditches and 

 brooks are commonly so rank and full, that it is but indifferent 



