THE PICKEREL 



AMONG the first fish sought after by 

 lads beginning to learn the pleasures 

 of angling, are the common pick- 

 ^ erel of the many lakes and ponds 

 that are to be found well distributed over New 

 England. 



A factor at this stage of existence that counts 

 greatly, is that of finances, for I feel sure in the 

 recollection that the long bamboo pole, the line 

 and hooks, were inexpensive in comparison with 

 the more delicate tackle that became ours when 

 money was, perhaps, more plentiful. 



Saturday was a favorite fishing day, as the tedious 

 hours of school life were shortened, and, on holi- 

 days, plenty of time was ours to seek the ponds 

 at a distance. Some sort of a skiff could generally 

 be hired for a small sum after we had arranged 

 to have our horse and trap taken care of. The 

 skiff was, as a rule, a leaky affair, but this pleasing 

 characteristic was always made light of. 



For bait, a spoon, a frog's leg, or a bunch of 

 worms were used. Among the lily pads or the 

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