410 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



some one is successful ; or if it is known beforehand what 

 bait suits the particular locality, that one should be select- 

 ed. The paternoster-line, armed with various baits, may 

 be used if the angler is not in possession of the above kind 

 of information ; and as the perch swims and feeds at all 

 depths, it is the best kind of tackle in deep water. In 

 rivers where many weeds exist, or where there are piles, 

 or roots, or trees, this tackle is not so manageable, and 

 the sinking and drawing plan must be adopted. 



For large perch, the minnow, either dead or alive, is 

 the best bait ; and both may be used at discretion. For 

 open and clear water, or in running streams, the dead 

 minnow, with the spinning-tackle as described at page 390, 

 is the most killing bait ; or the shiner may be used according 

 to the plan described in the same page, with the parr-tail ; 

 and which, with the perch, I have known a most efficient 

 lure ; shrimp is also an undeniable bait, especially in tide 

 streams. The gorge-hook is also successful, and is partic- 

 ularly serviceable in awkward and weedy rivers where the 

 spinning-tackle can scarcely be used. 



The season for perch is from March till December, 

 during which long period they bite with varying degrees of 

 readiness, and almost at all hours of the day. It is gene- 

 rally supposed that windy weather is the most likely to 

 tempt these fish, or at all events, that they are as free to 

 take the bait then as at other times. Such, however, is 

 not the result of my own experience, as I have always 

 found a marked difference in perch, as well as other fish, 

 in connection with strong winds, and also with the time 



