Bait Angling for Common Fishes 



merely tied to the line. If the bait is too 

 light to sink quickly, two or three split 

 shot can be attached to the line so that it 

 will rapidly drop to the bottom, one shot 

 on the snell, the other six inches above. In 

 bottom fishing a float is always an advan- 

 tage ; it keeps the line from floating toward 

 the angler, and it also enables him to cast 

 more deftly among and around weeds. It 

 can be adjusted according to the depth of 

 the water, which can be tested by a weighted 

 sinker, so that the float stands up and the 

 bait lies on the bottom. This proper adjust- 

 ment of float and bait is most important, 

 for the reason that when the bait is taken 

 quicker action is acquired. Two hooks can 

 be tied, one a foot above the other, with a 

 different kind of bait on each. The piece 

 of pork or dead fish is better placed on the 

 bottom hook, and the live wriggling worm 

 above. If the catfish are plentiful it will be 

 but a short time before the float shows signs 

 that something is going on, and in a minute 

 or so the float goes under and the fish is 



14 



