220 



out, and drawing it over a couple of hooks so placed on 

 the line that one shall project, near the upper and the 

 other near the tail end. A sinker of the size ot one's 

 little finger is inserted at the head, and this bait is cast 

 by hand, as it has to be drawn rapidly. The rod is not 

 often used in this style of fishing, as the heavy bait is apt 

 to sink ere it can be reeled in. The skin is frequently 

 salted to increase its firmness, and when used, must be 

 kept in "continual motion. 



The menhaden bait is prepared by scaling it and then 

 cutting a slice on one side from near the head to the base 

 of the tail, passing the hook through from the scaly side, 

 and back through both edges, so that the shank is en- 

 veloped and the flesh is outwards, and then tying the bait 

 firmly with a small piece of twine that is attached to the 

 hook for that purpose. A menhaden or bony fish fur- 

 nishes two baits and the residue, except the back bone, 

 tail, and head, is cut up fine, called chum, and thrown 

 into the water to make a slick. A slick is the oil of the 

 menhaden floating over'the waves, and being carried by 

 the tide or current a long distance, attracts the bass. 



Where the water is clear, it is customary in rod-fish- 

 ing, to use two hooks ; the smaller some two feet below 

 the other is attached to a fine line or gut leader, which 

 latter we decidedly recommend, and denominated with- 

 out any apparent reason the " fly hook." Many of the best 

 fishermen never use more than one bait, and when the 

 fish are large and plenty, one is sufficient. The fly bait 

 is not generally tied on, but twisted round the hook in a 

 manner difficult to describe. 



Lobster which is also used as a bait in this style of fish- 

 ing is deficient in tenacity, and has to be tied on like 

 menhaden, and probably the natural squid would be an 

 effective and manageable bait, could it be provided in 



