KILLING THE TROUT'S ENEMIES 365 



the wire noose and start de novo. When the fish 

 remains quite still he must gradually work the noose 

 over the fish's head, and when dealing with large 

 pike, say, 6 lb. or upwards, the wire should tighten 

 on it well forward of its centre, i.e. close behind the 

 pectoral fins, when the fish will be dragged headlong 

 through the water and up the bank with ease. With 

 small pike when the wire is about the middle of the 

 body, which is in front of the dorsal fin, standing with 

 his body and arms inclining well forwards, he must 

 quickly but without jerk draw the wiring pole back- 

 wards. The noose running up will secure the pike, 

 and its weight keeping all taut he must sling it steadily 

 underhanded on to the bank. 



Until he positively draws the noose the operator 

 cannot keep too still or be too slow in his movements. 

 He should keep his eyes fixed on his prey and make 

 quite sure that the pike is actually in the noose before 

 drawing, and it is well to remember that one is always 

 apt to locate the. pike nearer the surface than it really 

 is. Sometimes the jack will dart off just as the keeper 

 is going to draw the wire. He must then note where 

 it goes, and often he can poke the thick end of the 

 pole into this place and start the pike again. When 

 it has settle'd another attempt can be made, and this 

 may be repeated several times before the pike is 

 secured. It may, after two or three attempts, be scared 

 and swim away out of sight, and the operation will 

 have to be postponed to a later hour, or possibly to a 

 subsequent day. 



