CHAPTER XXiy. 

 TROLLING. 



Three or four years ago I was attracted to Gogebic lake 

 and Eaijle Avaters in Northern Wisconsin to investigate the 

 so-called " razor-back " Black Bass of Gogebic, and the 

 mascalonge of Eagle waters. I found the former to be 

 only small-mouthed Bass infected Avith tape worm, and the 

 latter to be a true mascalonge. 



At that time Gogebic lake was somewhat fiimous on ac- 

 count of its great numbers of Black Bass, and the ease Avith 

 Avhich they could be caught. While there I Avitnessed scenes 

 and heard of acts (that may serve to point a moral) that 

 should bring the blush of shame to the cheek of the most 

 hardened ; and yet they Avere perpetrated by men calling 

 themselves anglers, or at least fishermen, for there is a dif- 

 ference in degree as Avell as in kind of those claiming alle- 

 glance to the " gentle " art. 



On the first evening of my arrival I saAv tAvo large piles 

 of Black Bass, enough to fill several barrels, burnt by the 

 guides at the edge of the lake. Nine-tenths of them Avere 

 caught Avith the hand-line and trolling-spoon by anglers — 

 Heaven, save the mark ! — Avho Avere fishing for count, or 

 vying Avith each other as to Avho should bring in the greatest 

 number. 



It is no excuse to say that the Bass Avere there to be 

 caught, or that the parties kncAv no better. They Avould 

 have resented Avarmly any imputation that they Avere other 

 (190) 



