The Percb Family 169 



Most of the flies used for black-bass, as coach- 

 man, polka, oriole, professor. Abbey, etc., are suc- 

 cessful, as well as the hackles of various shades, 

 and occasionally red ibis and stone fly. The late 

 afternoon hours are to be preferred for fly-fish- 

 ing. The flies should be allowed to sink with 

 each cast, after being fluttered on the surface a 

 few seconds. 



In the absence of a more suitable rod, a light 

 one of native cane, nine or ten feet long, will do 

 good service without a reel. The line should be 

 the smallest " sea-grass," or twisted silk. Hooks 

 Nos. 5 or 6, on gut snells, with a small brass box- 

 swivel for connecting snell and line, make up the 

 rest of the tackle. 



The most taking bait is a small minnow, but 

 grasshoppers, crickets, white grubs, or earth- 

 worms are good. In tidal waters the shrimp is 

 preferred. But in the absence of any of these 

 baits, cut-bait, either fish or flesh, may be used 

 with good results, for the yellow-perch is not 

 very particular or fastidious. Large perch are 

 also easily taken by trolling with the minnow, 

 or a very small spoon on lakes or ponds. If 

 the spoon is employed, but a single hook should 

 be used, and that not too large. I am not an 



