AND HOW TO USE IT. 53 



particular spot when perch fishing, unless they 

 bite. If inclined to take the bait, they will 

 generally do so very soon after it is let down 

 among them. 



Be sure to give a perch reasonable time 

 when it bites : if the bait be put on the hook 

 carefully, there is no fear of the fish leaving 

 it : whereas by striking too soon, many a fine 

 perch is missed. 



After hooking a heavy perch, play it cau- 

 tiously, and thoroughly tire it before attempting 

 to land it, for it may be, that the hook has 

 but a slender hold, and will break away unless 

 the fish be judiciously played. 



SPINNING THE MINNOW. 



NEXT to fly-fishing, this is one of the most 

 graceful and attractive branches of the art of 

 using the fishing-rod. 



In many places where fish are strictly pre- 

 served, fishing with the minnow is prohibited : 

 but where no such prohibition exists, it will be 

 found a highly expedient means of taking various 

 sorts of fish. It is a killing bait for trout, perch, 

 jack, and pike. 



As the whole secret of success in minnow 



