58 THE SONG OF THE REEL. 



variably futile. One day, nevertheless, a pike was hooked during 

 the afternoon almost in the gloaming and this was a heavy fish, 

 which, however, was unfortunately lost. 



The principal methods employed in the capture of Esox Indus 

 are spinning and live-baiting, the former of which is both the more 

 sporting and the more sportsmanlike. For spinning, the angler 

 may use either artificial or natural baits these latter inclusive of 

 fish freshly killed, or dace, gudgeon and sprats preserved in formalin 

 or other suitable preparation. The artificial lures are legion, as 

 likewise are the " flights " used for mounting the natural fish. 



Live-baiting, which is widely indulged in by men of the catholic 

 school of anglers, is decidedly more effective than spinning, and is 

 practised in three different ways float-fishing, paternostering, and 

 ledgering. Among the many tackles suitable for the orthodox style 

 of float-fishing, there are the " snap," the " saddle " and the " single 

 lip-hook." And the bait may be either a dace, roach, gudgeon, 

 bleak, grayling, chublet, perch or gold-fish. The first four, how- 

 ever, are those most generally preferred. Paternostering is a very 

 deadly mode, since it enables a thorough search to be made in the 

 deep holes and secluded " abodes " wherein He the larger fish. And 

 ledgering is often successful when waters are high and discoloured 

 by rain. 



The " mighty Luce " abounds in many a river, lake, mere, pond 

 and canal throughout the length and breadth of England ; in some 

 of the streams and lakes of Wales ; in several of the lochs of Scot- 

 land, and in the rivers and loughs of Ireland. The Norfolk Broads 

 offer enticing facilities to the pike-angler. Hickling Broad and 

 Heigham Sounds are good waters ; and Horsey Mere, Ormesby, 

 Rollesby and Oulton Broads are favourite resorts. Much of the 

 fishing is free, and in some cases permission is readily granted, 

 whilst in others a small charge per day is made. 



The waters of Lincolnshire notably the Witham, the Forty- 

 foot, the Glen contain many pike, as also do parts of the Nene. 

 The Thames, Stour, Medway, Arun, Hampshire Avon, Dorsetshire 

 Frome, Great Ouse, Trent and some of the Yorkshire rivers hold 



