48 DAYS AMONG THE PIKE AND PERCH 



all right when he once got fairly into that net. There was 

 no jumping out again. I have seen anglers trying to land 

 an eight-pound jack in a net that was not large enough, 

 nor yet deep enough, for a three-pound bream, and the 

 result was the pike rolled out, the hooks of his flight caught 

 in the meshes, tore away its hold on the fish, and that jack 

 was given his liberty, while our angler meditated on landing- 

 nets in general and his own in particular. Sooner err on 

 the other side, having it too big than too small. The cost 

 complete would not exceed seven or eight shillings. 



A japanned tin box is also another useful article in the 

 pike fisherman's outfit, one a fairly good size, say seven 

 inches long by four inches wide and one and a half inches 

 deep, with several partitions, so that flights and snaps can 

 be kept separate ; and if the lid also has a couple of extra 

 hinged lids fitting inside, traces can be conveniently 

 carried there. If our angler goes in for a lot of spinning 

 he will find a roomy and strong haversack the best medium 

 to carry his tackle and fish in ; he should select a pretty 

 strong one with a partition or two in it, and the band that 

 slings it round his shoulders should be substantial. 



A small bottle of good carriage-maker's varnish is also 

 useful ; then the angler can periodically give his rod a 

 coat, and so save expense and annoyance ; while a six- 

 penny bottle of fisherman's varnish with which to touch 

 up the whippings and rings, and the silk bindings on his 

 flights, is a valuable accessory ; and finally I may add that 

 if our pike fisherman values his health he should always 

 have a mackintosh and a strong heavy pair of good water- 

 proof boots, and keep them well dressed with Gishurstine 

 or even Dale's dubbin. 



