AN ENCOUNTER WITH A GIANT. 87 



required for the proposed cast being first wound 

 round the distended thumb and finger in the 

 manner above described ; this done, the bait must be 

 put in motion, a backward and forward leverage is 

 given which should be rapidly increased, and now an 

 effective springing jerk of the rod, just as the bait 

 reaches the extreme backward point, sends him out 

 quickly, taking off the line from the disengaged hand 

 in its flight. The point of the rod must be held so as 

 to admit of the bait travelling as near as possible in 

 midwater. When the rodster experiences a tug at 

 the extremity of his line he should strike instantly, 

 but firmly; too heavy striking, it must be remembered, 

 is highly dangerous, it imperils the safety of the 

 tackle as well as the fish. A clumsy or too im- 

 impetuous striker will frequently break away hooks 

 and trace, or, failing that, the hold of the hooks from 

 the mouth of the fish; it is therefore incumbent upon 

 the tyro to exercise a little judicious care and cal- 

 culation in driving home his steel into the bony jaws 

 of the fish. Practice and experience are the mentors 

 upon whom the young aspirant must rely for pro- 

 ficiency in these matters. Rare sport is sometimes 

 afforded by well-conditioned fish when lightly hooked 

 and handled, and many instances are on record of 

 fierce fights ; not that the pike is noted for gameness, 

 rather the reverse, but in exceptional cases when an 

 extraordinary fish is struck great sport is often 

 afforded. 



The largest pike we ever killed was taken upon a 

 stout salmon spinning trace, the flight being mounted 



