HA ITS. 3S8 



The minnow, tlic red worm, nm\ at times small shriin|) will 

 take all these varieties in the salt water; and from the verv 

 earliest dawn of spring to the setting in of severe eold weather, 

 it is rare but the angler ran liiid some sjiDrt with these (piick 

 and lively biters. 



In almost every lakelet and pond, from the sea-board to Lake 

 Huron, the Perch abounds, swinnuing in eompanv with tjie 

 Sun Fish {Pomotis Vuh/ari.t), and the New York Shiner {Sfi///r 

 Chriso/ineu.H); tliey run from half a pound up to three, four, and 

 occasionally even five pounds' weight. 



Saratoga Lake, the Greenwood Lake, in Orange Coimty, New- 

 York, Ilopathong, in Sussex County, New Jersey, Cayuga Lake, 

 and the Nortliern lakes, Huron more especially, contain these 

 fish of the largest size, and in the greatest perfection, but everv 

 where they may be caught almost at any time. 



In pond fishing, the common ground-worm, or a spotted line 

 with a quill-float, is perhaps the commonest bait ; in America 

 pajitcs are but little used as bait, nor ni truth have I any great 

 faith in them, although they are recommended by many good 

 anglers. Of late years, however, I think they have lost 

 repute. In the days of old Naak they were esteemed almost 

 sovereign. 



The minnow, shiner, or small trout is, m this country, by all 

 odds, the most taking bait. It should be allixed to the line bv 

 one or two small hooks, t;ither through the lip or inider the 

 dorsal fin as lightly tm |H).saible, and being sunk with a shotted 

 gat to within a foot or so of the bottom, should be allowed to 

 swim about at his own will. 



I do not approve of the frog for Ferch fishing, although when 



