240 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



a slight lift, letting go the line with the left hand, and away the 

 bait will go. Point the rod towards the spot you wish the bait to 

 go, and at such an angle with the water as will make a straight 

 line, or rather a gentle curve, from the butt of the rod along the 

 line, thus avoiding that friction on the top ring which would ensue 

 if the point were held higher, and forming an angle with the line. 

 When the bait touches the water, lower the point of your rod until 

 it is within a yard of the water, and let the bait sink to about mid- 

 water ; then pull the line home with the rod for a yard, then let 

 the rod-point fall back, but pull in a yard or so of line with the 

 left hand, letting it fall in coils at your feet ; then a pull with the 

 rod-point, then with the hand, so that the bait is pulled home by 

 irregular shoots, spinning brightly all the while. 



Take it out of the water with a short line and slowly, and repeat 

 the throw. If a pike seizes it, strike, and strike hard, as hard as 

 your tackle will bear ; and if you see him at any time and his mouth 

 is shut, strike again until he opens it, as he always does when he is 

 hooked. If he jumps out of the water, as pike, especially river- 

 pike, often will, lower the point of your rod, or he may break free. 

 If he comes to the top of the water, and shakes his head with his 

 jaws open, there is an even chance you will lose him, and the only 

 thing to do is to slack your line and let him sink again. If he is 

 of any size, do not attempt to land him until he is blown and lies 

 on his side, when, if you have a gaff, you can stick it into him, or 

 scoop him out with your landing-net ; or if you have neither, lead 

 him to a shelving spot, go quietly up to him, and seize him behind 

 the head, pushing your fingers and thumb into his gills. 



Keep your hooks sharp, and strike hard. 



For spinning in this fashion a well-dressed line is required, which 

 should neither be too stiff nor too sticky. The undressed cotton 

 lines are very good and cheap. 



For fine fishing, gut, either single or twisted, is used instead of 

 gimp ; but is very liable to be cut by the pike's teeth. 



In the Nottingham style of fishing a large free-running wood* 

 reel is used, with a light undressed silk line, and instead of the lii 



