artificial baits. 317 



The Bob. 



Of all baits or lures used in Black Bass angling, one of 

 the rudest in structure, the most nondescript in appearance, 

 yet one of the most effective and killing in actual practice, 

 is the " bob " of the extreme Southern States. 



It has been in use in Florida for more than a century, 

 and was first described by that quaint old naturalist. Bar- 

 tram, in 17(54. His description and method of using it, are 

 identical with the "bob" and its use at the present day in 

 Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. 



The "bob" is composed of a triple hook, or three hooks 

 tied back to back, and invested with a portion of a deer's 

 tail, in the manner of a large, bushy, hackle ; often inter- 

 mixed with red and white feathers, or strips of scarlet 

 cloth. It forms a tassel or tuft, somewhat similar to the 

 so-called triple hook "fly" attached to most trolling spoons. 



