CREATURES THAT GAME-FISH EAT 29 



fish grows rapidly, casting its shell several times 

 in one season. When very young, it is pale yellow 

 in color, growing a darker brown with age. For 

 my own part I prefer this bait to be light cinna- 

 mon color, not over two inches long with the tail 

 stretched. Many anglers consider a four-inch dark 

 colored crawfish is most effective in either lake or 

 stream. 



THE CRICKET 



Next after the crawfish I consider the cricket 

 third in value, because it is eagerly taken by all 

 game-fish, both in lake or stream. Its jumping 

 propensities in meadows through which meanders 

 a trout stream, lead to sure disaster, for all kinds 

 of fish congregate in certain fruitful places to 

 await these leaps of death. So soon as the cricket 

 alights on the surface, it kicks and spins rapidly 

 around, making its way to shore. But its landing- 

 place is invariably down the gullet of trout or 

 chub; indeed any fish will take it that happens 

 to be in sight. If properly hooked it makes a most 

 effective live bait by reason of the continued rum- 

 pus made at the surface. The cricket never sinks, 

 alive or dead, and especially in placid water is 

 an easy prey, due to its frantic efforts to get 

 back on land, which are so very obvious that 



