FISHING 



being seldom successful. Why none takes the 

 trouble to net these baits and keep them in a float- 

 ing box for sale is a mystery, until one knows that 

 nothing in Nassau can be left in the water for a 

 day without continual supervision, as there is a 

 bird which eats everything from oars and tackle 

 to anchors and brass boat fittings. 



Conch and lobster are the best baits for bottom 

 fish, but fish, perriwynkles, or any other shellfish 

 will do if you can get them. 



Whether a large or small hook is used, it is 

 always better to have a piece of wire immediately 

 next to it, if only a couple of inches, as many of 

 the common fish have teeth which make short work 

 of a line, especially if it cannot be pulled in at 

 once. For houndfish, a piece of cork is some- 

 times used on the line about a foot from the hook 

 to ensure the bait keeping close to the surface. 

 A piece of skin with some of the flesh from the 

 barracuda's belly is perhaps the best bait for it 

 when trolling, as it is white and very tough. 

 Houndfish require plenty of time to champ and 

 turn the ,bait before swallowing. They will often 

 drop it and take it up again several times before 

 they finally swallow it, and it is useless to strike 

 sooner, as it can be only an accident that will 

 lodge the sharpest hook in the hard beak with 

 any safety. Barracuda may be struck more 

 quickly, for they bolt a bait much like a dog does 



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