FISHING. 123 



If pike are there and inclined to bite, they will do it 

 soon : it is of no use to remain long at one spot, if you 

 do not have a bite ; which when you do, you must be 

 sensible of, even in deep or muddy water. Let your 

 fish then have all the line he will draw, as he does not 

 swallow the bait till he reaches his haunt, where he may 

 be allowed from five to ten minutes to pouch the bait ; 

 the line must then be wound up gently till the fish be 

 seen ; this he will often suffer pretty quietly, even though 

 he should not have gorged. 



If the bait be still in or across his mouth, you must 

 allow him more time. Should he be sensible of the 

 hook, and be struggling to clear his mouth of it, endea- 

 vour to make it more secure by a jerk, and, by playing 

 with the fish, tire it out ; but should he have swallowed 

 the bait, veer out plenty of line, but mind to keep the 

 fish clear of roots of trees or other impediments, till 

 you can land him with your net. A large pike must 

 not be lifted out of the water by the line and rod, as 

 when suspended, he will by his weight most probably 

 draw off the hook, and fall in again. Never, in trolling, 

 throw the bait too far in, or you will alarm the fish. 

 Pike are attracted by a large bait, but are more likely 

 to be taken by a small one, which they will sooner 

 swallow; keep your bait clear of weeds. A rough 

 wind, that is not cold, and clear water, are favourable 

 for trolling; it is seldom of any avail to fish for pike in 

 troubled water. Pike are sometimes taken by ledger- 

 baits, or lines left by night, and also by snaring with a 



