24 FISHERMAN'S LURES 



which I hope will be sufficient to furnish those 

 unfamiliar with them some idea of what they 

 are, and how they live and act in their natural 

 state, in order to assist the angler to an intelligent 

 and effective use of the artificial imitations. These 

 if played properly and with an understanding of 

 the habits of the real creatures will give the angler 

 a peculiarly gratifying reward; they will induce 

 a thoughtful study of the best manoeuvres for 

 seducing the fish, and will enable him with a little 

 practice to catch the big ones. The most con- 

 spicuous thing which induces game-fish to grab 

 live bait on the hook is the habit of a wriggling 

 movement while in the water, actively trying to 

 get free from the hook. 



THE HELLGRAMMITE 



The most active and prolonged wriggler of all 

 live baits is the hellgrammite, an exceedingly 

 effective bass bait. Because of the extreme tough- 

 ness of the larva, its constant wriggle and con- 

 tinued life after being hooked, it is much sought 

 by the angler. Large perch and chub cannot re- 

 sist it. Pickerel have been known to take it, but 

 other baits for that fish are superior. Wall-eyed 

 pike, big catfish, and eels will take it, but trout 



