THE JOLLY ANGLER. 79 



have likewise read of Ducks or Geese being used for the 

 purpose, which I think would afford better sport, with a 

 much better chance of getting your fish. For the Bank- 

 trimmer, see " Ledger Fishing." 



Remarks on Trolling. 



When you use the gorge, first treated of, have the hook 

 nearly the length of the bait, so that when you tie the tail 

 down, a turn of your thread may pass through the twisted 

 wire to which your gimp is hooked, and do not let the 

 hooks be larger than will lie close to the side of the head. 

 In January, February, and March, the Jack are in pairs; at 

 which time, if you take one, put on a fresh bait, and try 

 close by for the other. During these months they feed 

 eagerly ; now use either of the gorge hooks ; in summer 

 the snap, as, at that time, they are more apt to play with 

 the bait than swallow it. If you get any dirt or weeds to 

 the bait, take them off; a Jack will seldom take it when 

 disfigured ; if much soaked, or the scales half off, put on 

 a fresh bait ; and mark this, when a Jack takes a bait it is 

 across his mouth, thus, 



generally by the body, and always swallows it head first. 

 1 think that is the reason they so seldom leave the dead 

 gorge, there being no obstruction, the line coming from 

 the tail of the fish. Now, though windy weather (if from 

 the west or south) suits both Jack and Perch, they like 

 the quietest parts ; consequently, have the wind at your 

 back, if possible, the bank protecting that side more than 

 the opposite, or leeward shore. When you have hooked 

 your fish, and he is nearly exhausted, draw him quietly to 

 the side, put your landing hook under his jaws and lift 

 him out. 



Some persons use a thumb-reel for trolling, instead of a 

 winch, but it is not near so handy. When trolling for 



