J(> THE DRIFFffeLB ANGLER. 



The Pike is fond of a quiet, shady, 'un- 

 frequented water, and lurks in the midst of 

 weeds, flags, or bull-rushes; yet he often 

 makes excursions from thence, and ranges 

 about in search of prey. In winter arid 

 cold weather, lie lies deep and near the bot- 

 tom : his best biting times are early in the 

 morning and late in the evening, when there 

 is a brisk wind, and w here the water is clear ; 

 if they are inclined to the bait, they will take 

 rt after three or four trials ; it is therefore 

 needless to throw it often in the same place. 



Towards the summer, as the weather grows 

 warm, he frequents the shallows ; in a very 

 hot, clear, sultry day, he may be seen lying 

 on the surface of the water, but then you 

 cannot tempt him with any bait. I have 

 frequently shot them thus basking themselves 

 in the sun, which is to be done by aiming 

 right under them ; for there is a great de- 

 ception in the water, both by varying the 

 appearance of the object, and, when fired 

 into, by causing the shot to rise. 



