124 
THF. PIKE, Si 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 must bo 
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 wo 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 lea9t one 
spare top, but it may with still more propriety have 
two. One should bo made shorter and stronger than 
* The butts of rods sold at the fishing-tackle stores, arc 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 luttcr tough 
and pliable; add the bamboo joints, as above described, of a proper 
taper, and you huvo a rod that cannot bo surpassed for ligbtnos>, 
strength, and durability. See Article on Rods, page 23. 
t Well seasoned ash, with a maple butt and lance-wood top, is the 
best description that cun be used, and is suitable for lake fishing. 
