38 THE PRACTICAL FISHEHMAN. 



to obtain the full " flavourality " of the fish, and that is given by Mr.. 

 Francis Francis himself, an inveterate icthyophagist, in his book on fish. 

 culture First catch your fish, and then kill it. Wipe it with a damp 

 towel, and then, as it is, with inside intact, and head, gills, and scales- 

 remaining, broil it over a clear fire quickly. It will come to table seeth- 

 ing and smoking. Insert a knife behind the head, and the scales, 

 like a suit of armour, will come off ; a little butter, pepper, and salt- 

 complete the preparation, and the flesh may be flaked from the bones, 

 firm, white, and of most delicious flavour. By this method the fish is" 

 cooked in its juice, which considerably benefits its flavour. 



The tackle used in perch fishing is neither of a costly nor elaborate 

 kind. It may be thus enumerated and described. The paternoster 

 consists of a yard length of gut of somewhat stout consistence, on- 

 which at intervals are attached two or three medium sized hooks whipped 

 on a short piece of gut or gimp. They should be separated by quite- 

 12in., that in the event of two fish being hooked at the same time they may 

 not get entangled. I ordinarily fit up a paternoster with only two hooks ' r 

 on one I put a worm, and on the other usually whipped to fine gimp, in- 

 case of an adventurous pike a small gudgeon, dace, or minnow. At the 

 extremity of the said line or paternoster a bullet or oval plummet is- 

 connected. I prefer the oval shape, as it works better amongst weeds... 

 This plummet should by no means be bright, but painted a weed green 

 colour. The reason for this is to be found in the event so often met with . 

 of a perch becoming covetous of the metallic weight, and disappointing 

 the angler by relinquishing its hold as he draws the avaricious fish to 

 the surface. The paternoster can of course be used either with or' 

 without a float. I personally prefer the latter method. The float, in . 

 my opinion, is only a necessary nuisance at the best, and whenever- 

 possible it should be dispensed with. The process of working the- 

 paternoster depends for ita perfection and consequent results on expe- 

 rience of the stream or lake, but generally it may be said the angler 

 should learn to be deliberate and precise in searching every nook and. 

 cranny with the suspended lead, neither be precipitate nor too slow in 

 his movements, and, above all, avoid unnecessary noise and changes of 

 personal position. The rod should be taken in the right hand, and a few 

 yards of slack line in the left, coiling it as required, or releasing it as the 

 baits are urged 3yds. or 4yds. or more from the boat or bank. Always,, 

 as in trolling and spinning, begin at the nearest likely spot, and work 

 outwards in an increasing radius. The rod should be not above 10ft. 

 or 12ft. at most, and be tolerably strong and stiff. Immediately a fish is- 

 felt it is necessary to allow time whilst eight or nine can be counted. As 

 the perch makes no fuss about gorging the bait, and invariably takes it. 



