THE PERCH. 
145 
with a short line, about the length of the rod, a light float, and 
a small sinker, with a trout hook No. 2. This is not, however, 
the safest mode ; for although the Angler expects small game, 
he should be prepared for large; and as the pickerel is a com- 
mon inhabitant of ponds with the perch, he should always 
have attached to his rod a reel, to contain from 20 to 50 yards 
of line, unless, like the negro who was sent by Iris master to 
catch eels, he mean to take perch, and nothing else. The 
colored gentleman spoken of was sent by his master to catch 
a mess of eels for his breakfast. After sitting a long time, 
and talcing only a few of his favorite fish, he had a severe tug 
at his line, and with his strong tackle he immediately pulled 
out a fine three pound bass, but to the astonishment of the 
bystanders, unhooked him, and threw him overboard, say- 
ing, “ Massa tell me cotch eels,* 
The usual bait for the perch, in pond-fishing, is the com- 
mon ground-worm, which they will take generally if they 
tako any thing. The brandling, and other worms, are some- 
times used, as also cheese and bread pastes. For stream- 
fishing, for large game, in addition to the worm, the minnow, 
or any similar small fish that delight in the same water; also, 
the parts of frogs, as in pickerel-fishing; and, when the stream 
runs into or near salt water, and they can bo procured, the 
shrimp will be found an excellent bait. They are used in the 
same manner, and with the same kind of tackle, as in trout 
and pike-fishing, as before described. 
For Minnow-Fishing for Perch , Holland gives the follow- 
ing: “ The minnow may be used by fixing a No. 9 hook under 
the back fin, or by passing it through his lips, with a cork 
float, carrying shot according to the depth of the water. You 
should fish within a few inches of the bottom, and when a fish 
bites, a little time should be given before you strike, as the 
perch is tender mouthed, and if not well hooked, is apt to 
break his hold. 
