THE PIKE. 139 



tough part. When livebaiting in a pond or lake, 

 the rod can be placed on the ground ; but see that 

 the line is clear, and that the check is off the 

 winch. The rod for livebaiting must be stiff and 

 strong, as it has to carr}' the weight of bait, lead 

 and float. In livebaiting, a little below midwater 

 may be considered a good depth ; pike see their 

 bait better above them, and are not ground-feeding 

 fish, except perhaps in heavy floods, when they 

 feed nearer the bottom in deep eddies, to keep out 

 of the rush of the stream. On throwing in your 

 bait, the float will bob about and travel with the 

 action of the bait ; if a hungry pike is about, the 

 bait may be seized immediately ; if the float goes 

 under steadily and keeps under, you may be sure 

 the fish is well on the feed and means business ; 

 but if it keeps popping up and digappearing, either 

 the fish is only playing with the bait, or it is a very 

 small one. Of course, there are exceptions to this 

 rule, as I saw a twenty-four-pound pike that only 

 pulled the float under once, and the angler thought 

 he had left the bait ; but the general rule is that 

 a float going under and keeping under means a 

 feeding fish, and a good one. Although fishing 

 with snap-tackle, you must not strike too soon ; 

 give the fish time to turn the bait (a minute after 

 the float's disappearance is ample), allowing the 

 line to run quite freely ; then, before striking, wind 

 gently in, and feel the fish before jerking on the 

 rod. Acting on the advice of an experienced 

 keeper, I strike straight up when livebaiting, and 

 not sideways. Judging by results, I think this is 

 the best plan. Among suitable spots for live- 

 baiting may be mentioned deep holes between 

 beds of lilies or rushes, eddies, and still lay-byes ; 



