36 SPRING ANGLING 



CHAPTER II 

 PICKEREL TROLLING IN SPRING 



As soon as the ice goes out of the lakes where 

 pickerel (Esox Indus) abound, some grand sport 

 may be had trolling. There is a fitness also in 

 referring to this form of pike-fishing at this place, 

 because I want this little book to be progressive, 

 and we take one step higher in fishing for pick- 

 erel than in fishing for suckers. The trout season 

 opens, it is true, near about this time in the 

 spring ; but it will be well for you to come with 

 me, bringing your coarse tackle, for one day be- 

 fore you essay to catch the beautiful " salmon 

 of the fountains," which is what is meant by 

 the scientific name of the brook-trout {Salmo 

 fotitinalis.) 



A pole is not actually necessary in trolling, 

 though, for my own part, I always use one. Two 

 lines may be used ; and there should be two of you 

 in the boat, — one to row, and the other to manip- 

 ulate the lines. These should be of linen, eight 



