BAIT-FISHING. F 411 
of day. Young anglers, therefore, should take this dictum 
with some caution. 
Little difference in the mode of using the bait need be 
made from those recommended for other river fish, if the 
perch sought for are small; but in localities where large 
perch may be expected, and where the live or dead fish- 
bait is used, some considerable variation must be practised. 
Hitherto I have not had occasion to describe the mode of 
using the live and dead fish-baits; but as we now are con- 
sidering their adoption in taking perch, it will be proper 
here to enter upon the subject. I have already alluded 
to the mode of applying the live minnow to the hook, or 
rather of inserting the latter in the back of the fish close 
to its fin. When this has been done, and the gut is prop- 
erly shotted with about two or three No. 1 shot, quietly 
enter the fish at some distance from the shore, and let it 
take its own course, swimming where it chooses. A float 
is only a hindrance to the live bait; and as it is dragged 
about on the surface of the water, it serves to attract the 
attention of the perch, and is very apt to scare them away. 
As soon as the perch is seen or felt to take the bait, strike 
pretty firmly, though not with much force. Live frogs 
may be used in the same way, as well as newts. 
Spinning for perch is practised as follows :—The bait 
being applied according to either of the methods described 
on page 391, the angler should use the general rod with 
the short top; a reel and reel-line of plaited-silk or twist. 
ed hair and silk will be necessary, and a good length of 
strong gut, or, when pike are likely to be met with, of 
gimp, armed with one or two box-swivels. With this 
