PERCH. 55 



described, and the lead hanging 6 or 7 feet from 

 the top of the rod, the baits, if the water to be 

 fished is within the length of the rod, should be 

 gently dropped or lowered down till the lead rests 

 on the bottom ; if, however, the desired spot is 

 further off, the baits, after a slight pendulum-like 

 movement, are lightly cast or rather "swung" 

 into it, and the line drawn in until it is stretched 

 straight between the lead and the rod-top. Every 

 half minute or so the position of the bait should be 

 shifted a foot or two by lifting the lead and draw- 

 ing in line ; a sharp twitch will indicate a bite, 

 when the point of the rod should be instantly 

 lowered a little so as to slacken the line some- 

 what, and prevent the fish prematurely pricking 

 himself. The attack being repeated, and as it 

 usually happens in a more vigorous manner, the 

 line should be quietly but rapidly tightened, and a 

 vigorous "lift" (not stroke) given almost at the 

 same instant with the rod. Striking is not de- 

 sirable in paternostering, first, because the Perch is 

 a very delicate-mouthed fish, and the rod a stiff 

 one; and secondly, because by this means both 

 baits will almost inevitably be lost. A chief 



