86 PIKE FISHING. 



" Clipper," " Wheeldon," " Windsor Bee/' and Ex- 

 celsior." Most anglers have a marked partiality 

 for heavy brass gimp, of thrice the necessary thick- 

 ness. Gimp should be no thicker nor stronger than 

 is absolutely requisite, and should be of the best 

 quality, having the finest raw silk centre. In com- 

 mon gimp, which is disposed of by the manufacturers 

 by weight, the wire is much too thick, the proportion 

 of silk being less accordingly.* The best gimp is 

 usually made bright, and excessively fine in the wire. 

 Before this is used it should be slightly stained with 

 logwood and copperas, with just enough of the latter 

 to darken the dye. This removes the glare, and 

 effects a great improvement. Having advised as to the 

 equipment of the pike spinners, we shall now proceed 

 to lay down a few directions as to the most artistic 

 and successful method of using them that is com- 

 monly followed upon the Thames. The line should 

 not be worked from the reel nor yet from the feet, as 

 commonly practised, but from the left hand, around 

 the fourth finger and thumb, off which it is wound 

 rapidly crosswise. The motion thus conveyed to the 

 bait works it well if rightly accomplished ; some 

 anglers simply haul in the line by instalments into the 

 palm of the hand, but this is anything but sports- 

 manlike. The bait is delivered to the spot desired 

 in the following manner : Line to about half 

 the length of the rod is let out with the bait 

 ready fixed at its extremity, the length of line 



* It is now made very fine and strong indeed, of very little more sub- 

 stance than stout lake gut. 



