BAITS. 35 



can be procured in the Spring of the year, underneath decay- 

 ed trees, foliage, stumps, &c., and sometimes in fresh ploughed 

 ground. 



The Grasshopper is an excellent bait for trout, when in 

 season, and is approved by all Anglers. 



The Minnow, that beautiful little fish so highly esteemed 

 among all English sportsmen, is found in many of our streams, 

 under a variety of names, and makes a good trout, pickerell, 

 or salmon bait. 



The trout or salmon Spawn, however, takes the lead as 

 the best trout bait in the world ; so much so, that many An- 

 glers in Europe deem it unworthy a sportsman to use it. 



Wasps, Beetles, Flics, Caterpillars, Locusts* and many 

 other insects, also make very good trout baits. 



The Frog, used whole or in parts, is one of the best baits 

 for pickerell. The hind legs, when skinned, which operation 

 leaves them perfectly white, is preferred. 



The Shiner or Mullet, the Gold-Fish, and in fact any 

 small fish, is acceptable to this all-devouring subject of the 

 Angler's toil. 



For salt water angling, the Shrimp, like the worm in fresh 

 water, takes its place as the best bait, and is a great favorite 

 with all anglers for striped bass or weak-fish. 



The Shedder-Crab, when it can be procured, is a dainty 

 morsel and a most killing bait for striped bass many of the 

 largest fish being taken with it. 



The Soft-Shell Clam, when cut up into small pieces, 

 makes a very good bait for black-fish, flounders, or any kind 

 of sea fish. 



These are the only kinds of baits in general use ; many 

 others are occasionally used, but are not worthy of special 



* In the summer of 1843, Locusts were used as a bait for weak -fish, in 

 the Hudson river, opposite Hoboken, with great success. 



