Fishing in North Carolina. 155 



or other beast, but will rush, snap and lock. 

 Little harm is done, however, except when one 

 gets leg-hold, when it is a case of thunder for 

 umpire. 



The turtle is in prime condition in autumn, 

 and the first night after a shower is the best 

 time to catch him. Night is his chosen provid- 

 ing time, and after a rain he will patrol the 

 banks in search of food. 



He is too matter of fact to take any artificial 

 bait, but is easily snared by scenting or sighting 

 coveted bait. I prefer a live toad frog, hooked 

 through the skin at the back and suspended from 

 the tip of a pole or tree limb, so that the frog 

 may remain on the water, rest or swim, and live 

 for many hours. 



When the turtle is hooked he will have to 

 swim, rest or drown; and he cannot get loose, 

 unless he gets hold of a stump, tree or ground ; 

 wherefrom he can use his forepaws to advantage. 



An ordinary fish pole stuck into the bank is 

 a good enough contrivance. Some people kill 

 the frog and sink the baited hook in the water, 

 trusting to scent only; but T want a live bait 



