192 PLAYING LARGE PIKE. 



pared, not to mistake the check given by the 

 weeds for a real bite, which it often very nearly 

 resembles. When such a check occurs, pause a 

 second, and if all continues quiet, draw the bait 

 gently towards you ; when, if the resistance is 

 obstinate, and yet tremulous, a jack is at it, and 

 your moving it will most probably induce him to 

 drop it, or otherwise gorge it. Do the same if 

 the bait move slightly forward, with a renewed 

 check, for there is then more certainty that some- 

 thing is at it ; after this, if it remain a dead 

 weight on the hand, it is probable that the jack 

 has quitted it, and left the hooks entangled in 

 the weeds, which is by no means uncommon in 

 these cases : you may, therefore, now draw at it 

 with a little more force, which will certainly in- 

 form you of the nature of the resistance, and yet 

 allow you time to retrace your steps, if a jack be 

 there in earnest." 



Mr. Salter, and other authorities, recommend 

 that when a large pike is struck in open water, 

 you should give him more line, and not pull hard 

 at any time, unless your tackle should be in danger 

 of entangling among weeds or bushes; and when 

 this is the case, the utmost caution is necessary, 

 lest the rod, line, hook, or hold should break. When 

 completely exhausted and brought to the side, 

 take the pike up with a net, or landing-hook, or, if 

 in want of either of these, put your thumb and 



