THE WHITE PERCH 



times in succession in the Gunpowder River before 

 it was finally killed. 



Size 



The average length is about nine inches, and the 

 weight half a pound or less; but many individ- 

 uals measuring fourteen inches and weighing two 

 pounds or more have been taken in New England 

 waters. In Oscawana Lake, Putnam County, 

 N. Y., it is said, some of the perch weigh two or 

 three pounds. 



Methods of Capture 



The requisites for white-perch fishing are: a 

 light rod, a very fine braided linen line, a leader of 

 single gut about three feet long, and hooks Nos. 6 

 to 8 on gut snells. A small multiplying reel may 

 be used if desired. A sinker is needed in tide-ways, 

 to keep the bait off the bottom, as the fish will 

 not take bait on the bottom unless it is moving. 

 Shrimp, crabs, and worms are most frequently em- 

 ployed, and to these a life-like action must be 

 given. A float is required in slack-water fishing 

 in the vicinity of water-plants. The float is to be 

 so placed as to hold the hooks well off the bottom. 



The best baits are : shrimp, shedder-crab, worms, 

 young eels, and small minnows. The pearl minnow 



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