80 SCIENCE OP FISHING. 



loops along the center line to a brass wire link and the lobes 

 of the leaf being turned in opposite directions cause the 

 blade to revolve rapidly when drawn through the water. 



In late years since bait-casting has become so popular 

 large numbers of artificial baits have been placed on the 

 market. They are of every imaginable shape and combina- 

 tion of colors, and to describe all of them or to say which is 

 best is impossible ; indeed, I can say that there is no "best" 

 bait, for the one that catches the most fish one day must take 

 a back seat the next, and some other one will prove more 

 tempting. Again, the bait that is good in some waters is not 

 good in others. 



Some time ago there was a warm controversy between 

 the manufacturers of the Decker and the Coaxer baits, which 

 ended in a fishing contest. The outcome could hardly be 

 called decisive, but it was proved conclusively that they are 

 both excellent baits for black bass. 



There are many baits of the minnow form and I think 

 they are all attractive at times. These are made in all 

 colors, usually have a spinner at head and tail and three sets 

 of treble hooks, the rear treble sometimes feathered. Some 

 of these have weedless hooks and if the water is grassy or 

 weedy it is best to use that kind, otherwise the plain ones are 

 preferable. Some of these minnow baits have no spinners 

 at all and some have only one or two gangs of hooks. There 

 are large ones and small ones; fat ones and slim ones. 



Some of these are surface baits and some are under- 

 water baits. One known as the Wagtail Witch dives beneath 

 the surface when reeled in rapidly, otherwise rides on the 

 surface. The Nemo bait is both a surface or under-water 

 bait, depending on where the weight is placed. The Roamer 

 resembles a large bug and it is said to be a good bait. Some, 

 such as the Moonlight Floating Baits, are luminous for use 

 at night. There is a Pearl Minnow which is a combination 



