THE PIKE, &C 



133 



prey, the consequence of which is, that the houk or hooks 

 immediately disengage themselves from the bait, and pene- 

 trating the mouth of the pike they retain him. 



The Bait being properly fixed, cast it lightly into the 

 water, with the line drawn out to two-thirds the length of the 

 rod, observing to make the first cast in shore, but be as 

 much concealed as possible from view. If success does not 

 follow this, extend the throw further into the water, and to 

 do that with effect, give the impulsive swing of the bait with 

 the same length of line as before, but have in addition a yard 

 or two of loose line in the left hand, which as the bait flies 

 forward, loosen quickly from the hand, and as it arrives at its 

 destination, drop the point of the rod, which will ease the 

 Iniit into the water without injury to itself, or alarm to the 

 pike. The attempts of the live bait to make for the weeds 

 or the shore, must be counteracted by drawing it back or 

 giving it a new direction, and as it flags in liveliness, stimulate 

 it by shaking the rod a little, which often stimulates the jack 

 also to strike the bait. In drawing up the bait to remove it 

 to a new situation, observe to do it gently, and at the same 

 time watch the water, for it is not at all uncommon for a jack 

 to follow on its attempted removal. If any thing of this kind 

 is perceived, by no means remove the bait, but lower it again 

 into the water, and begin moving it quickly at a few inches 

 below the surface, backwards and forwards. In all cases, 

 keep the float in sight, but avoid showing yourself if possible, 

 particularly in the summer months, and when the weather 

 and water are both bright. At such a time, to increase your 

 small chance of sport, try to get the sun before you, and the 

 wind behind ; the former you might well dispense with alto- 

 gether, the other will prove your best friend ; but if there be 

 sun, you must at least take care that it do not reflect either 

 your own shadow or that of your rod on the water. In the 

 months of February, October and November, this may be of 



