PERCH. 239 
in a more vigorous manner, the line should be quietly 
but rapidly tightened, and a vigorous “lift” (not stroke) 
given almost at the same instant with the rod. Striking 
is not desirable in paternostering, first, because the 
Perch is a very delicate-mouthed fish, and the rod a 
stiff one; and secondly, because by this means both 
baits will almost inevitably be lost. A chief element of 
success in paternostering—as indeed in all live-bait 
fishing—is, that the baits should be fresh and really 
lively. 
Leads of a pear-shape are preferable to bullets, 
because from their shape less liable to catch in stones, 
sunken posts, &c. They should always be painted with 
green varnish (p. 59), which makes them less conspicuous. 
In water where there are many Jack it is often a good 
plan to attach a third hook (No. 11 or 12) tied on fine 
stained gimp, about 2 feet above the lead, baiting it with 
a Gudgeon. Many good fish are caught in this way. 
- In bottom fishing from a punt it is usually an excellent 
plan to put out a paternoster, which may not only add 
to the weight of the creel—“on its own hook,” as the 
phrase goes—but by killing any Pike or Perch which 
may be roving in the neighbourhood, add to the 
chances of a good take of other fish. The proximity 
of either of these predaceous species sadly disturbs the 
appetite of the grami- or vermi-nivora, and a sudden 
stoppage in the biting of the latter is constantly attri- 
butable to this cause. 
