THE TAIL OF THE GORGE TROLLING-BAIT. 



83 



and the lead on tlie shank of the hook into its belly as far as the 

 hooks — which will have the semblance of moustachios on the 

 bait — will allow. Then tie up the tail of the bait with a piece of 

 thread after the method shown in Fig. 47. Some trollers cut off 

 all the fins ; others cut off the fins on one side 

 only, which gives the bait a slight, and, I think, 

 attractive, spin when it is drawn through the 

 water. This is a good plan when the water 

 fished is not very weedy. Another plan, which 

 I used to follow in my trolling days (I have long 

 given up trolling with the dead gorge on account 

 of the small fish killed), is to cut off only the 

 stronger rays of the largest fins. If the fins 

 are left, they catch in the weeds, as every ex- 

 perienced troller knows well, and the bait soon 

 gets worn out in consequence.* Mr. Pennell 

 advises the tail to be cut off, and the gimp tied 

 in the knot shown in Fig. 48. I have no hesi- 

 tation in condemning this plan, which I have 

 given a thorough trial, except for trolling baits 

 used where they are never really required {i.e., 

 in waters clear of weeds). Weeds catch on the 

 slightest projection, and the blunt tail, bristling 

 with the cut rays of the caudal fin, are terrible 

 weed-catchers. Then, again, it is very desirable 

 that the pike when struck should retain the 

 hook and send the bait up the line. This he 

 cannot do when the gimp is tied in a knot ; but 

 the bait frequently slips up the line when the 

 tail is tied as shown in Fig. 47. It is never 

 a wise thing to tie gimp in knots. A knot in 

 the gimp may very likely cause a break when 

 the best fish of one's life is hooked. 



It is very important that the hook should fit the bait, and 

 the angler should keep hooks of several sizes in his tackle- 



u 



^. 



Fig. 46. Gorge 

 Trolling Hook 

 (Old Pattern). 



* As trolling baits are drawn tail foremost through the water, their §ills fre- 

 quently get forced open and broken. To avoid this, a piece of thread is some- 

 times tied round the gills. I only adopt this plan when I am short of baits. 



g2 



