134 THE PIKJC, ScC. 
little consequence, but it is otherwise in the spring and sum- 
mer months. 
“ Be caref ul not to mistake the motions of the bait for those 
which are made by the pike or jack when seizing it. With 
the experienced Angler there is no danger in this, but one less 
initiated might be apt to fall into the error, particularly as the 
mere sight of the jack will sometimes make the bait throw 
himself out of water to avoid his dreaded foe. The proficient 
at such a time will do nothing more than gently move his 
bait as though it were going to leave the spot, which alone 
will sometimes occasion the jack to seize it at once. The 
seizure of the bait by the pike is marked by the float, which 
is not thrown up, but on the contrary is drawn violently 
down, and the water is likewise observed to undulate, unless 
the bait be seized at a considerable depth. Be prepared for 
this with a free line as regards the reel ; it is also a good 
plan to have in the left hand a yard or two of loose line to 
give out as the pike runs, which is infinitely preferable to al- 
lowing it to be pulled by the fish himself from the reel; 
which alone, with a pike not well on the feed, will cause him 
to reject it. Whatever line, therefore, is required in the pro- 
gress of the fish to his hold or haunt, veer it out by the hand, 
and such hold is seldom far off, and he will when there, stop 
to gorge the bait. 
li In striking , let not impatience tempt you: wait until 
you are certain that the pike has actually gorged the bait; 
otherwise your slight hold on your bait and prey will tear 
away, and you will lose both at the same effort. The pouch- 
ing time is by no means definite, but is regulated by circum- 
stances : thus, having satisfied yourself by the previous still 
ness of the pike or jack, that he is gorging, and by his again 
moving out from his retreat (which signal you must look for) 
that he has actually done so, give your line a smart hand 
