FISHING FOR THE SUN-FISH 73 



fine tackle, where only one will respond to the 

 " pole and cord " style of equipment. 



In sun-fish angling I always use a float, or 

 bob ; and a very good one for this purpose can 

 be made of a turkey quill feather, as I directed 

 you when speaking of sucker fishing. Split shot 

 should be closed on the leader, to sink the float 

 so that three-quarters of an inch rises above the 

 surface of the water; and so adjusted as to lift 

 the bait about six inches from the bottom of 

 the water. You are then in a fair way to catch 

 fish. 



By the way, there is a rough-and-ready way to 

 split your shot I don't think I told you of. Get 

 out your jackknife, make a slight circular inden- 

 tation in a piece of hard wood, — the top of a post 

 will do, — lay the shot in this, and simply cut 

 the lead halfway through. All sizes of shot, from 

 buck-shot to No. 5's, should be split and kept 

 ready in a pill-box; and the preparation of these 

 is a good job ffcr a rainy afternoon. 



Having selected the spot you intend to fish, be 

 quiet ; for though these fish are not easily scared, 

 you want to be light, and not boisterous, in your 

 movements. Bait the hook with a small wriggling 



