up into tempting morsels for "skittering"; that is, where you cast
your line with a sinker, and then haul it in over the water, usually
by lifting the pole, walking back, or reeling in; a dead frog or a
dead fish is just as good as a live one.

Boys, as a rule, prefer to fish with bait, leaving artificial flies to
the seniors. Any small live creature will answer for bait; even mice
have been used with good effect, and cheese, if it can be kept on the
hook, is eagerly swallowed, in bottom fishing, by carp and catfish.
When I was a boy we used to string our catches, through the gills, on
a cut switch, but if it can be had, a fish basket is better.

FISHING TACKLE

should be considered. This is of every variety, from the bent pin
fastened to a string, and the string fastened to a stick, which most
of us began with, up to the elaborate and costly rods, reels and flies
of the wealthy sportsmen. Boys, who seldom use reels, will find the
bamboo, which is sold cheap, the lightest and strongest rod for
general use.

Hooks are of endless size and variety, as are fishing lines. These
must be bought with regard to the kind of fish they are to be used on,
and of these, boys on the ground are the best judges. But let me urge
this: When the fishing season is over do not throw your pole, line and
hooks carelessly to one side, but clean them, wrap them, and put them
away in safety for another season. The boy who does not take good care
of the tools that give him pleasure is making a bad preparation for
the serious business of life. Summer [Blank Page]