CHAPTER XI. 



Use of Natural Baits. 



ATURAL baits are those which most anglers 

 are accustomed to using, such baits as 

 angleworms, minnows, frogs, grasshoppers, 

 helgramites, grubs, salt pork, crickets and 

 any kind of real fish-food. 

 Most common of all baits is the angleworm, 

 and it is used more than any other, because it 

 can be so easily secured, it can be used for all kinds of fish, 

 and is accepted by all, large and small alike, no matter 

 whether they are surface feeders or those that look for food 

 at the bottom. The worms may be used just as taken from 

 the ground, and are generally used in that condition, but 

 they may be made better bait if properly prepared. Worms, 

 to make first-class bait, should be dug a week before wanted 

 for use, then washed and placed in damp moss in an earthen 

 jar. The moss is washed and wrung as dry as possible and 

 all sticks and hard objects picked out. They should be sorted 

 out every second day and the dead or sickly ones thrown 

 away. A few bread crumbs soaked in milk may be given 

 them occasionally and the moss should also "be changed. In 

 a week of this treatment the worms become toughened and 

 thoroughly emptied of earthy matter, and in this condition 

 they make the best bait. The jar must be kept in a cool 

 place. 



There are four kinds of angleworms, and even the small 

 boy, who fishes under the willows down at the river's bank, 

 knows that some worms make better bait than others. In 

 the garden you will find the black headed worm, which may 



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