PERCH. 241 



in a more vigorous manner, the line should be quietly 

 but rapidly tightened, and a vigorous " lift" (not stroke) 

 given almost at the same instant with the rod. Striking 

 is not desirable in paternostering, first, because the 

 Perch is a very delicate-mouthed fish, and the rod a 

 stiff one ; and secondly, because by this means both 

 baits will almost inevitably be lost. A chief element of 

 success in paternostering — as indeed in all live-bait 

 fishing — is, that the baits should be fresh and really 

 lively. 



Leads of a pear-shape are preferable to bullets, 

 because from their shape less liable to catch in stones, 

 sunken posts, &c. They should always be painted with 

 green varnish (p. 59), which makes them less conspicuous. 



In water where there are many Jack it is often a good 

 plan to attach a third hook (No. 11 or 12) tied on fine 

 stained gimp, about 2 feet above the lead, baiting it with 

 a Gudgeon. Many good fish are caught in this way. 

 In bottom fishing from a punt it is usually an excellent 

 plan to put out a paternoster, which may not only add 

 to the weiglit of the creel — " on its own hook," as the 

 phrase goes — but by killing any Pike or Perch which 

 may be roving in the neighbourhood, add to the 

 chances of a good take of other fish. The proximity 

 of either of these predaceous species sadly disturbs the 

 appetite of the grami- or vermi-nivora, and a sudden 

 stoppage in the biting of the latter is constantly attri- 

 butable to this cause. 



