THE PIKE, &C. 
133 
prey, the consequence of which is, that the hook or ] looks 
immediately disengage themselves from the bait, and pene- 
trating the mouth of the pike, they retain him. 
“ The Bait being 'properly fxed, cast it lightly into the 
water, with the line drawn out to two-thirds the length of tho 
rod, observing to make the first cast in shore , but be as 
much concealed as possible from view. If success does not 
follow this, extend the throw further into the water, and to 
do that with effect, give the impulsive swing of the bait with 
the same length of line as before, but have in addition a yard 
or two of loose line in the left hand, which as the bait Hies 
forward, loosen quickly from the hand, and as it arrives at its 
destination, drop the point of the rod, which will ease the 
bait into the water without injury to itself, or alarm to tho 
pike. The attempts of the live bait to make for the weeds 
or the shore, must bo counteracted by drawing it back or 
giving it a new direction, and as it flags in liveliness, stimulate 
it by shaking the rod a little, which often stimulates the jack 
also to strike the bait. In drawing up tho bait to remove it 
to a new situation, observe to do it gently, and at the same 
time watch the water, for it is not at all uncommon for a jack 
to follow on its attempted removal. If any thing of this kind 
is perceived, by no means remove the bait, but lower it again 
into the water, and begin moving it quickly at a few inches 
below the surface, backwards and forwards. In all cases, 
keep the float in sight, but avoid showing yourself if possible, 
particularly in the summer months, and when the weather 
and water are both bright. At such a time, to increase your 
small chance of sport, try to get the sun before you, and the 
wind behind ; the former you might well dispense with alto- 
gether, the other will prove your best friend ; but if there be 
sun, you must at least tuke care that it do not reflect either 
your own shadow or that of your rod on the water. In the 
months of February, October and November, this may be of 
