PICKEREL FISHING. 285 



"the GORGE-HOOK. 



" Is either a dp able or single hook, fixed on twisted brass wire, and 

 loaded on the shank with lead, to which is attached a piece of gimp, 

 eight or ten inches long, at the end of which is a small loop. To 

 bait this hook you must have a brass needle, about seven inches long ; 

 put the loop of the gimp on the eye, or small curve, of the needle ; 

 then put the point of the needle in at the mouth of the fish, and 

 bring it out at his tail ; bring the gimp and wire along with it, the 

 lead being fixed in the belly of the bait-fish, and the hook or hooks 

 lying close to the outside of his mouth ; then turn the points of the 

 hooks towards his eyes, if a double hook, but if a single one, directly 

 in a line with his belly ; next tie the fish's tail to the arming wire 

 very neatly, with strong thread. To the line on your reel you must 

 attach a gimp-trace, twenty-four inches long, having a swivel at each 

 end, and one in the middle. The spring swivel, at the end of your 

 line, is to be hooked on the loop of your baited trace, and you are 

 ready for sport. 



" When you are thus prepared, drop in your bait lightly before you, 

 then cast it on each side, and let the third throw be across the river, 

 or as far as you can reach — still letting the bait fall lightly on the 

 water. In each case let your bait fall nearly to the bottom ; then 

 draw it up gently towards you, and again let it sink and rise till you 

 draw it out of the water for another cast. 



" I have before named the favorite haunts of the Pike, but when 

 you are in a good water you should carefully fish every part of it, for 

 you may often have a,' run where you least expect it : — weeds are a 

 great annoyance to the troller, and he will often bruise his bait, and 

 injure his tackle, unless he is very cautious. At every new cast be 

 careful to examine the bait, and clear it from leaves and weeds, as the 

 Pike is very dainty, and will not touch a soiled bait. 



" The farther you throw your bait, if the water be broad — provided 

 always that it falls lightly — the greater your chance of success, so 

 that you are not interrupted by weeds, roots of trees, &c. ; and if the 

 water should be very weedy, you will be compelled to drop your bait 

 into deep clear openings. 



" When you feel a run, let your line be perfectly free, and allow 



