THE PIKE, iC 



135 



stroke, which will fix the barbs into the maw beyond the 

 power of ejection." 



Trolling for Pike. This method, the last given, is per- 

 haps the best of the series of the different contrivances for 

 taking this species of game. It is generally practised in two 

 ways, by roving or drawing the line from the shore, or by 

 trolling the line gently from a small sail-boat or skiff, with an 

 attendant, to be guided by your directions. With a stiff rod, 

 reel, and other tackle, without a float, as before described, ■ 

 the latter method, with a good ground and large game, is de- 

 cidedly at the top of pike-angling. Whether on shore or in a 

 boat, the manner of proceeding should be the same. 



Of Bank-Trolling, Blaine, the best authority, has the fol- 

 lowing : '* The method of holding the rod differs in the prac- 

 tice of different Anglers, some grasp it firmly in the right 

 hand, and depend on the strength of their arm for delivering 

 the bait out to its extent ; but we apprehend that much the 

 better method is that of resting the butt against the hip, thigh, 

 or stomach, or wherever convenient support can be obtained, 

 (we always use our hip for the purpose,) by which much ex- 

 ertion is saved, the bait can be cast much wider, and when 

 the Angler is accustomed to the habit, he may, by this means, 

 direct it within a few inches of the spot he aims at. The rod 

 placed, and the bait swinging on such a length of line as can 

 be managed, retain within the left hand a yard of it loose, 

 which as the bait is cast gradually run off the hand, directing 

 it rather slantingly ; by such meaus it will shoot diagonally 

 forward, with a natural appearance impelled by the weight of 

 the lead.* When delivered, begin to move it after the man- 

 ner of the motion, about mid-water, observing always to avoid 

 removing it quickly from the water for another throw, for 



4 This is where the leaded gorge-hook is used, the method of baiuug 

 luoaL adopted in trolliug. 



