ii8 PRACTICAL BAIT CASTING 



cumstances. This can be determined by experiment- 

 ing. When used in very heavy weed growth a frog 

 is usually kept close to or on the surface. This is 

 regulated by the speed of reeling. Sometimes best 

 results will be had by using a frog the same as a sur- 

 face or a semi-surface bait, making short frequent 

 casts, varying the speed of retrieving, or alternately 

 reeling and stopping. When fishing this way it is best 

 to follow Father Isaac's advice and use the frog as 

 though you loved him. That is, to prevent unneces- 

 sary suffering, kill him before you put him on the 

 book. 



When fishing in clear water or in the deep holes 

 in midsummer, a live frog is better. Making long 

 casts, allowing the frog to settle, and reeling slowly 

 gets the most strikes then. 



All varieties of frogs seem to be successful as baits 

 and the best rule to follow is to use the species native 

 to the region you are fishing. A frog weighing from 

 three-eights to three-quarters of an ounce is the best 

 size. 



Personally, we have never had much success with 

 the artificial frogs, although in some waters they doubt- 

 less take fish. 



The average fisherman will usually find it more 

 convenient to buy frogs from the tackle dealer, the 

 bait store, or small boy. They are best caught at 

 night with the aid of a lamp of some kind, which 

 should have a good reflector. A strong light blinds a 

 frog and when thus blinded he is easily caught. 



