SEIZED THE TROLLING-BAIT. 169 



the line from the winch, and give it out as the 

 fish moves so that he may feel no check by a 

 tightened line. Do nothing to disturb him whilst 

 pouching the bait, and after you have struck him, 

 play him according to rules already given and by 

 some to be mentioned hereafter. 



Mr. Elaine again says, "In striking let not 

 impatience tempt you ; wait until you are certain 

 that the pike has actually gorged the bait ; other- 

 wise your slight hold on both bait and prey will 

 tear away, and you will lose both at the same 

 effort. The pouching time is by no means definite, 

 but is regulated by circumstances ; thus having 

 satisfied yourself by the previous stillness of the 

 pike or jack, that he is gorging the bait, and by his 

 again moving out from his retreat (which signal 

 you must look for), that he has actually done so ; 

 give your line a smart hand-stroke, which will fix 

 the barbs into the maw beyond the power of 

 ejection." 



Captain Williamson, who is a superior authority 

 in all that relates to trolling and pike-fishing, says, 

 and the reader should pay deep attention to him, 

 " Whatever may be the length or thickness of 

 your line, you will always find it useful to have a 

 swivel on it somewhere ; if within a yard of your 

 hook, the better. You should be extremely 

 careful in your management of a jack when 

 hooked; for he will, if possible, run into the 



