Cunner, Flounder, Smelt 271 



tioned, caught with hook and line through holes 

 cut in the ice ; but this is tame sport compared 

 with fishing in open water with very light tackle. 

 The angler can utilize his trout fly- or bait-rod, or 

 if he prefers, a very light natural cane rod eight 

 or ten feet long. A reel is not necessary. The 

 line should be of the smallest size, linen or silk, 

 though silk lines soon rot in salt water. A fine 

 leader three or four feet long, with hooks Nos. 3 

 to 6, on single gut snells, are next in order. 

 When the fish are swimming in schools near the 

 surface, especially at night, a sinker need not be 

 used ; under other circumstances, and when the 

 tide is strong, one of suitable weight should be 

 added. The fishing is usually best on the flood 

 tide, and almost any kind of bait will answer ; but 

 shrimp is best, though sandworms, vei-y small min- 

 nows, or even earthworms are useful. Given the 

 proper time and place, and with tackle and bait 

 in readiness, it only remains to cast the baited 

 hook, retrieve the fish, and so on ad infinitum. 



