I04 ANGLING 



draw in your line with the left hand, and begin your 

 contest. Striking him smartly under these circum- 

 stances, as some anglers recommend, is not advisable. 

 During the ten minutes you have allowed him, he has 

 gorged the hook, and all the striking in the world 

 will make it no faster; although, if the fish be 

 very large, the indiscreet performance may possibly 

 snap your rod or line. If the fish move off before 

 ten minutes be expired, let him alone, and he will, 

 perhaps, soon stop again ; if not, then jerk him smartly, 

 and make the best of it ; you will most probably cap- 

 ture him. 



When the last struggles of the pike are over, lift him 

 gently out of the water. Some recommend landing- 

 nets, gaff, etc. etc., for this purpose. For our own part, 

 we are not passionate admirers of these supplementary 

 aids, and have always found our gimp strong enough 

 to effect this object when the fish is fairly done up. 

 Some anglers put their fingers in the pike's eyes ; and 

 others, which is, perhaps, after all the best -way, play 

 him to some shallow place, and run him up the shelving 

 side. Whatever you do, however, never put your hand 

 near his mouth. His teeth are formidable weapons, 

 and he bites like a crocodile. Let him go, sooner than 

 let him hold your finger. 



To get the hooks out of his mouth, seize the fish by 

 the eyes and slightly open his mouth with a piece of 

 wood or stick, and if the hook is thoroughly gorged 

 it would be better to open the belly, and pull the bait 

 and hook with the gimp through the orifice. It is 

 difficult to kUl a pike, but it may be done by severing 

 the vertebrae at the back of the head. It is best to do 

 this particularly when the fish is a large one, as its 

 constantly opening jaws and formidable teeth, not to 

 mention its plunges, are somewhat perplexing to the 

 inexperienced troller. 



Some trollers take live roach with them in a fish- 

 kettle : this is not necessary. Put fine fresh-caught 

 roach into clean, sweet bran with care, and by the time 

 you arrive at the waterside they will be firm and 



