90 PIKE FISHING. 



the fork. Had that worthy chanced to have been 

 in the punt at that particular moment, we felt an 

 inward presentiment that he might have suddenly 

 found himself out of it. After this final rush a re- 

 action set in, the fish showing signs of fatigue for the 

 first time, which speedily developed into complete 

 exhaustion. To consummate the capture by gaffing 

 and boarding was now a very easy matter, and 

 successfully accomplished. The weight of the fish 

 proved to be thirty-seven pounds and three-quarters. 

 It was preserved and cased by the owner of the 

 water, to whom it was presented, with the tail of the 

 pickerel protruding from its extended jaw. 



Live baiting is another favourite method of fishing 

 for pike. The tackle requisite for this style of 

 angling is shown on plate II., fig. 6. This is used 

 with or without the barrel-lead. As the name implies, 

 the bait is used alive, the small hook on the triangle 

 is inserted carefully in the root of the back fin, the 

 large span of hooks being loose at the side. The 

 lure is then allowed to roam at will. It is necessary 

 to employ none but the finest and best stained gimp. 

 The reel line, too, should be both fine and strong, the 

 lighter in weight the better. The line usually used 

 in live-baiting for Thames trout is seldom much 

 thicker than a piece of ordinary thread. The requisite 

 substance and strength ever varies with the weight 

 of the fish it is intended to hold. The line referred 

 to in roach fishing would answer equally well for 

 pike of 1 6 Ibs. and under, as it would for Thames 

 trout. The actual dead-weight sustaining powers 



