36 THE ANGLER'S GUIDE. 



clear, and the finest made, with care, will hold 

 a fish of any weight. 



TIMES TO FISH FOK JACK. 



Jack-fishing begins, in most waters, on the 

 first of August, and is continued until the 

 beginning of March. All through this time 

 they are in season, while during the rest of 

 the year they are lank and thin. They spawn 

 in March, unless the season is very backward, 

 and when that is the case, anglers are allowed, 

 in some waters, to fish for them all through 

 that month. October and February we con- 

 sider the best months, though we have taken 

 very good fish during all the others ; but it 

 is in a great measure according to the weather 

 and the water. During very cold, foggy, still 

 days, they will not feed much, though you 

 may get a fish now and then. The best time 

 is, when the wind is blowing from the south- 

 west, or any of the points near it. If it be 

 blowing a good stiff gale, trolling with the dead 

 bait is to be preferred, but if the day be fine, 

 and the breeze gentle, live-baiting will be found 

 the most killing. Very frequently during the 

 jack -fishing season, the water is very thick, in 

 consequence of heavy rains, floods, &c., and 



