BAITS . 
35 
can bo procured in the Spring of the year, underneath decay- 
ed trees, foliage, stumps, &c., and sometimes in fresh ploughed 
ground. 
The Grasshopper is an excellent bait for trout, when in 
season, and is approved by all Anglers. 
The Minnow , that beautiful little fish so highly esteemed 
among all English sportsmen, is found in many of our streams, 
under a variety of names, and makes a good trout, pickerell, 
or salmon bait. 
The trout or salmon Spawn , however, takes the lead as 
the best trout bait in the world ; so much so, that many An- 
glers in Europe deem it unworthy a sportsman to use it. 
Wasps, Beetles, Flics, Caterpillars, Locusts ,* and many 
other insects, also make very good trout baits. 
The Frog, used whole or in parts, is one of the best baits 
for pickerell. The hind legs, when skinned, which operation 
leaves them perfectly white, is preferred. 
The Shiner or Mullet, the Gold-Fish, and in fact any 
small fish, is acceptable to tliis all-devouring subject of the 
Angler’s toil. 
For salt water angling, the Shrimp, like the worm in fresh 
water, takes its place as the best bait, and is a great favorite 
with all anglers for striped bas9 or weak-fish. 
The Shedder-Crab, when it can be procured, is a dainty 
morsel and a most killing bait for striped bass many of the 
largest fish being taken with it. 
The Soft-Shell Clam, when cut up into small pieces, 
makes a very good bait for black-fish, flounders, or any kind 
of sea fish. 
These are the only kinds of baits in general use ; many 
others are occasionally used, but are not worthy of special 
* In the summer of 1843, Locusts wero used as a bait for weak-fish, in 
the Hudson river, opposito Hoboken, with great success. 
