420 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 
they often are. If this happens to be the case, the bait 
must be gently passed into the water, and will be more 
easily managed with a float, as with the length of line re- 
quired in pickerel-fishing it is impossible otherwise to main- 
tain a proper depth for the bait, which should, as far as 
possible, be made to swim at mid-water. This is effected 
by the float keeping the bait up, and the shotted line pre- 
venting its rising to the surface. If the bait seeks the 
weeds or other shelter it must be stopped, and if dull and 
sluggish, it must be stimulated by a gentle shaking of the 
rod. When removing the bait for a fresh throw, great 
care should be taken to do this gently, as a very little 
extra force will make a great difference in the duration of 
the life of the fish; and not only so, but the gentle mode 
will give the bait less pain than any other. The use of 
live baits is always more or less cruel, and surely every 
unnecessary degree of pain should be avoided. When the 
bait is seized by the pickerel, which may be known by the 
float disappearing under the water, be very careful to allow 
him to carry it off without restraint, and for this purpose 
draw off the line with the hand, and let it run loosely 
through the rings. If the slightest impediment occurs he 
will be sure to blow it out, and your hopes are blasted. 
After a short time, during which he has been quietly 
gorging the bait, he will again move off, and then is the 
time to strike, which you may do sharply, but not roughly. 
If this is cleverly done, the fish is firmly attached to the 
line, which, if of good materials and the hooks equally 
efficient, will land your fish for you with the aid of a little 
skilful management. Pickerel may be played with great 
