FOREST, LAKE, AND RIVER 



islands along the Atlantic coast constitutes the 

 highest branch of American angling. It is indeed 

 questionable, — when considering all the elements 

 which contribute to the sum total of sport in an- 

 gling, — whether this method of fishing for striped 

 bass is not superior to fly fishing for salmon, and 

 if so, it outranks any angling in the world. The 

 method is eminently American, and characteristic 

 of the modern angler by its energy of style and the 

 exercise and activity necessary to success." 



The rods used in casting are not more than nine 

 feet in length, weighing twelve to fourteen ounces, 

 the lines made of linen or hemp two hundred to 

 three hundred yards long, and of great strength 

 and elasticity. The reels, which play a most im- 

 portant part, should be multiplyers, beautifully and 

 skilfully made, the best being with jewel-mounted 

 wheels, and delicately adjusted balance cranks. 

 Toll (" chum ") bait of chopped menhaden is the 

 principal lure, and is cast upon the water until an 

 oily surface or " slick " is produced, which may 

 extend half a mile from the shore. This attracts 

 the fish, which swims towards the angler, now and 

 then stopping to seize a floating bit of fish. When 

 they come within reach of the angler, a strong 

 hook, delicately baited with a bit of menhaden, is 

 quickly offered them. The method of making the 

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