ARTIFICIAL BAITS 119 



Frogs can be carried in an old stocking, but the 

 net bags made for the purpose are better. For large 

 quantities, baskets with a cloth cover and an elastic 

 opening are convenient. Frogs require little if any 

 care, which is a point that recommends them to most 

 fisherman. Where a large supply is kept on hand 

 they can be cooped in a screened enclosure, and the 

 contents of a fly-trap emptied into it from time to 

 time will keep them in good condition. 



Those living in states where very early fishing is 

 permitted may find it worth while to provide a deep 

 box full of mud and to permit a supply of late caught 

 frogs to winter there. 



Besides requiring little care the frog possesses nearly 

 all the advantages of artificial baits, such as size, 

 weight, and color and he is a dandy fare for nearly 

 all game fish, especially large size specimens. He 

 will give a good account of himself even in the hands 

 of a beginner, although best results naturally come 

 with practice. 



CRAWFISH 



Just as the frog is the staple diet of the large mouth 

 bass, the small mouth's staff of life, when obtainable, 

 is the crawfish or fresh-water crab. Although mostly 

 used for bait fishing or still fishing the crawfish makes 

 a good casting bait, under certain conditions, if proper- 

 ly handled. Long-shanked hooks are best and the 

 craw can either be hooked through the tail or, better 

 still, lashed to the hook's shank by a rubber band so 



