48 SPRING ANGLING 



Then, again, the mascalonge is taken this way ; 

 but though trolHng for this fish is at best very 

 elementary angling, it is not to be expected that 

 boys will want to undertake it until they have mas- 

 tered the rudiments of the finer and more sci- 

 entific angling for smaller and more manageable 

 fishes. 



The best time in the North for pickerel trolling 

 on the lakes and rivers is when the apple-trees are 

 in full blossom ; but the fish can be caught much 

 earlier, and I have referred to it in the present 

 order of sequence as a spring pastime, because 

 considerable and undivided attention must be 

 given to the next chapter. Moreover, I wanted to 

 lead my pupils up to trout fishing by stepping- 

 stones to knowledge, as it were. 



Two useful implements must not be forgotten 

 when one goes trolling ; viz., the disgorger and the 

 home-made rack for keeping open the fish's mouth. 

 As you know, the pickerel has long and sharp 

 teeth, and one is very apt to get a nasty bite or 

 cut when unhooking the fish, if not in some way 

 protected. The device I use is a V-shaped or 

 forked piece of stout wood or bifurcated branch. 

 It is cut from a bush of any stiff wood. To use it, 



