BOTTOM-FISHING. 39 



while fishing for Perch in this way you will 

 sometimes take a Jack or Trout. The best 

 way to bait your hook is to pass it carefully 

 through the middle of the back. Perch fish- 

 ing commences in March, and continues till 

 October, after which you had better give up 

 fishing for Perch. They delight to lie near 

 locks, shipping, barges, and timbers, also about 

 bridges and mill-pools, and in deep holes. When 

 you have a bite give plenty of time that the 

 Perch may gorge, for numbers are lost by the 

 Angler striking too soon ; when you have hooked 

 a heavy Perch, play him till he is quite ex- 

 hausted before you attempt to land him, lest 

 he should be but slightly hooked the Perch 

 not being what is termed a leather mouthed 

 fish ; and should you unfortunately lose a fish 

 after having played him for some time, he rushes 

 away with pain and fear, and causes the whole of 



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