134 



THE PIKE, AC 



little consequence, but it is otherwise in the spring and sum- 

 mer months. 



" Be careful not to mistake the motions of the bait for those 

 which are made by the pike or jack when seizing it. With 

 the experienced Angler there is no danger in this, but one less 

 initiated might be apt to fall into the error, particularly as the 

 mere sight of the jack will sometimes make the bait throw 

 himself out of water to avoid his dreaded foe. The proficient 

 at such a time will do nothing more than gently move his 

 bait as though it were going to leave the spot, which alone 

 will sometimes occasion the jack to seize it at once. The 

 seizure of the bait by the pike is marked by the float, which 

 is not thrown up, but on the contrary is drawn violently 

 down, and the water is likewise observed to undulate, unless 

 the bait be seized at a considerable depth. Be prepared for 

 this with a free line as regards the reel ; it is also a good 

 plan to have in the left hand a yard or two of loose line to 

 give out as the pike runs, which is infinitely preferable to al- 

 lowing it to be pulled by the fish himself from the reel ; 

 which alone, with a pike not well on the feed, will cause him 

 to reject it. Whatever line, therefore, is required in the pro- 

 gress of the fish to his hold or haunt, veer it out by the hand, 

 and such hold is seldom far off, and he will when there, stop 

 to gorge the bait. 



" In striking, let not impatience tempt you: wait until 

 you are certain that the pike has actually gorged the bait; 

 otherwise your slight hold on your bait and prey will tear 

 away, and you will lose both at the same effort. The pouch- 

 ing time is by no means definite, but is regulated by circum- 

 stances : thus, having satisfied yourself by the previous still 

 ness of the pike or jack, that he is gorging, and by his again 

 moving out from his retreat (which signal you must look for) 

 that he has actually done so, give your line a smart hand 



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