122 



THE PIKE, &C. 



to the equator should unnerve his powers, particularly during 

 the summer heats." 



In this country, generally speaking, except in the more 

 southern parts, the habits of the pike, although very similar, 

 are not quite so indolent as they are in , England. In the 

 northern parts of the States of New-York and Pennsylvania, 

 and the more northern states, where the climate is colder than 

 that mentioned by Elaine, they are frequently taken in fine 

 condition, and with the usual quantity of sport, in the months 

 of August and September. Generally speaking, the months 

 of September and October are found to be the best months, 

 and in many parts of the country, afford the Angler as much 

 true enjoyment and diversion, as any other of the numerous 

 modes of piscatorial amusement. 



The streams and ponds containing them are abundant, and 

 furnish immense quantities. There is perhaps more angling 

 for the pike than for any other of the finny tribe, insomuch 

 that it is almost impossible to mention a section of the country, 

 except within some of our more southern states, which do 

 not furnish fine grounds for the pike, from the moderate size 

 contained in the ponds, to the essex or muscalinga of our 

 western lakes. 



The most common mode of taking them in the ponds and 

 lakes, is with a stiff rod of ash or bamboo, about 12 feet long, 

 accompanied with a reel containing from 50 to 100 yards of 

 strong flax or grass line, with a small fish, or the leg or 

 hinder part of a frog for bait. The hook, which should 

 be a Limerick or Kirby salmon, from No. to 5, according 

 to the size of your game, is attached to strong gimp or wire, 

 from 12 to 24 inches long, for spring and autumn fishing, and 

 for summer fishing, if the pike are shy, strong twisted gut is 

 preferable. In stream fishing, the addition of a swivel 

 sinker and a cork or hollow float, will be found necessary. 



Of the Rod, Elaine remarks : " Mr. Nobbs, with more 



