FISHING FOR PERCH. 43 



PERCH FISHING. The first consideration for the 

 youthful aspirant, after fixing upon a likely spot, 

 where the water is most discoloured (which is generally 

 in the vicinity of weeds), is the depth. This may be 

 easily ascertained by plumbing, by means of a scrap 

 of sheet lead or lead wire, rolled round the hook, or 

 without this by observing the float when properly 

 weighted, as in standing water it lies on one side 

 when the sinkers touch the bottom. After thus 

 accurately taking the depth, the tackle should be 

 so arranged as to admit of the lure reaching within 

 three inches or so of the bottom. A few pieces of 

 turf, containing worms, may be put in the water 

 before " rigging up" the tackle. The vigorous action 

 of these, on being suddenly introduced into a strange 

 element, answers admirably in attracting the notice 

 of and collecting the fish. A small, well-scoured 

 dew or lob worm should then be carefully threaded 

 upon the hook. The float should be cork, not 

 coloured. The brilliantly daubed articles usually 

 offered for sale ought always to be assiduously 

 avoided. A common bottle cork is not to be sur- 

 passed, and, if the quill that pierces the cork be 

 vermilion-tipped, so much the better. By the use 

 of a small forked stick the rod may be suspended 

 upon the bank, whilst the owner looks out and 

 prepares a new place, in case a change may become 

 desirable, or two rods may be used. When fish 

 run large, for better security, a pot-hook shaped iron 

 inserted in the ground at the full extremity of the 

 rod will render all safe. Large hooks should be 



