PRACTICAL ESSAY. 241 



being coiled on the ground, it is thrown off the reel, the weight of 

 the bait causing the reel to revolve and the line to unwind. It is 

 then wound in again, and as the circumference of the reel is large, 

 it winds in rapidly enough to make the bait spin, though not so 

 brilliantly as in the other way. This style has its advantages where 

 the ground is scrubby, and the line is apt to catch; but where there 

 are such disadvantages, I coil the line in my left hand, like a sailor 

 coils a rope, and I can throw very well that way; but you must take 

 care that the line slips off your hand coil by coil, and not all at once, 

 or there will be a pretty scrawl. 



Artificial baits are often used in spinning, and are made of every 

 imaginable shape and material. 



The spoon bait is a general favourite, but Hearder's plano-convex 

 bait is the most killing that I have ever tried. If the water is at 

 all clouded I prefer it to the natural bait. 



Live bait fishing is the next branch of the subject. The tackle 

 consists of one large triangle, with a smaller single hook whipped 

 on to the gimp, two inches above it. A foot above this is a pipe 

 lead and a swivel, and on the line is a large float. The small hook 

 is hooked through the flesh of the back, just under the back fin, and 

 the float adjusted so that the bait swims at mid-water. When the 

 float goes under with the run of a pike, count three, and then strike 

 hard. Live-baiting is best when the water is clouded, as the pike 

 has more time to see the bait. It is needless to say that the baits 

 should be as lively and fresh as possible. 



The pike is also sometimes fished for with a large and gaudy fly, 

 which occasionally takes well. 



Gudgeon and dace are the best pike baits, but all small fish will 



do ; even the spiny perch, with his back fins cut off, may be used 



I in default of others. In the winter-time baits are very difficult to 



| procure ; but they may be preserved for that time by placing them 



in a large-mouthed jar of methylated spirits of wine. They will keep 



bright and tough for a considerable time. Smelts may be obtained 



j through the winter in all large towns, and are a very brilliant and 



'.killing bait, but very tender. Small eels, or the tail part of large 



1C 



