124 



THE PIKE, &C. 



As pike angling has become a favorite practice with many 

 sportsmen, both in this country and Europe, the particular 

 directions, practice, and instructions of the best, will be se- 

 lected for the benefit of those not initiated. The following, 

 from the last mentioned writer, the reader can adapt to his 

 peculiar situation, compared with the localities mentioned. 



" The rod or rods, for both live-bait fishing and trolling 

 in the rivers of the southern parts of the kingdom, may be 

 made throughout of bamboo ; but a rod so made metst be 

 composed of the very best possible materials ; in which case, 

 in good hands, it will be fully equal to land any pike that does 

 not exceed eight or ten pounds in weight. But where pike 

 may probably be met with of heavier weight, the butt and 

 top at least, should be of some solid wood ; the former may 

 be of willow,* for lightness, and the latter of any tough, con- 

 densed wood, at the discretion of a good rod maker, sur- 

 mounted with one-third whalebone. 



" For the lochs of Scotland, the lakes and meres of Eng- 

 lish counties, known to contain pike from 15 to 20 pounds, or 

 more, in weight, the rod must wholly be formed of solid 

 wood.t But even here we recommend that the butts be 

 bored, both to lighten, and also to contain one or two spare 

 tops, which it may very well do without weakening it 

 Every trolling rod should be fitted up with at least one 

 spare top, but it may with still more propriety have 

 two. One should be made shorter and stronger than 



* The butta of rods sold at the fishing-tackle stores, are usually made 

 of maple, and the tops of lance-wood, which is a good arrangement of 

 woods, the former being perfectly strong and solid, and the latter tough 

 and pliable ; add the bamboo joints, as above described, of a proper 

 taper, and you have a rod that cannot be surpassed for lightness, 

 strength, and durability. See Article on Rods, page 22. 



t Well seasoned ash, with a maple butt and lance-wuod top, is the 

 best description that can be used, and is suitable for lake fishing. 



