THE PERCH. 



145 



with a short line, about the length of the rod, a light float, and 

 a small sinker, with a trout hook No. 2. This is not, however, 

 the safest mode ; for although the Angler expects small game, 

 he should be prepared for large; and as the pickerel is a com- 

 mon inhabitant of ponds with the perch, he should always 

 have attached to his rod a reel, to contain from 20 to 50 yards 

 of line, unless, like the negro who was sent by his master to 

 catch eels, he mean to take perch, and nothing else. The 

 colored gentleman spoken of was sent by his master to catch 

 a mess of eels for his breakfast. After sitting a long time, 

 and taking only a few of his favorite fish, he had a severe tug 

 at his line, and with his strong tackle he immediately pulled 

 out a fine three pound bass, but to the astonishment of the 

 bystanders, unhooked him, and threw him overboard, say- 

 ing, " Massa tell me cotch eels" 



The usual bait for the perch, in pond-fishing, is the com- 

 mon ground-worm, which they will take generally if they 

 take any thing. The brandling, and other worms, are some- 

 times used, as also cheese and bread pastes. For stream- 

 fishing, for large game, in addition to the worm, the minnow, 

 or any similar small fish that delight in the same water; also, 

 the parts of frogs, as in pickerel-fishing; and, when the stream 

 runs into or near salt water, and they can be procured, the 

 shrimp will be found an excellent bait. They are used in the 

 same manner, and with the same kind of tackle, as in trout 

 and pike-fishing, as before described. 



For Minnow-Fishing for Perch, Hofland gives the follow- 

 ing: " The minnow may be used by fixing a No. 9 hook under 

 the back fin, or by passing it through his lips, with a cork 

 float, carrying shot according to the depth of the water. You 

 should fish within a few inches of the bottom, and when a fish 

 bites, a little time should be given before you strike, as the 

 perch is tender mouthed, and if not well hooked, is apt to 

 break his hold. 



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