SPOONING TACKLE. 85 



action when in the water is really admirable, and 

 great things are reported as having been accomplished 

 since its comparatively recent introduction. We 

 never did believe in " spooning," but since the inven- 

 tion of the " Colorado " our sentiments have under- 

 gone somewhat of a change. For the capture of the 

 very heaviest pike in river or lake this bait is par- 

 ticularly well adapted. Metal casts of fry mounted 

 in various ways are now to be obtained. In many of 

 these much ingenuity is displayed, as notably in the 

 different makes of ".Gregory" baits, some of which 

 spin upon their own axes ; these for rotary motion are 

 perhaps unequalled, others being jointed and thus 

 flexible, while others again are stationary, relying as 

 per precedent upon the upper swivels for freedom in 

 spinning. Many of the above are coloured with a 

 view to the effect when in action. Other baits are 

 representations of some distinct species of fish, as 

 gudgeon, dace, etc. These are for the most part con- 

 structed from gutta-percha, rubber, etc. They are 

 often much esteemed when stationary ; they may please 

 the human eye, but fail to meet with due appreciation 

 from the fish when in action. The general curved 

 shape of the body acts very detrimentally in causing 

 the line to describe a spiral or corkscrew flight, which 

 is calculated to miss what fish may deign to essay 

 an acquaintance. The " Phantom " is another bait 

 not well adapted for rough work, owing to its liability 

 to sustain damage from the keen teeth of the pike. 



The best " artificials " to rely upon, when " naturals " 

 run short, we give as follows, viz., the " Gregory," 



