The Sunfisb Family 15 



same time he is brave and valiant. He seems to 

 employ all the known tactics of other fishes, and 

 to add a few of his own in his gallant fight for 

 freedom. 



As a food-fish there is, in my estimation, but 

 one fresh-water fish that is better, the whitefish 

 of the Great Lakes. Its flesh is white, firm, and 

 flaky, with a fine savor, and a juicy, succulent 

 quality that is lacking with most other fresh- 

 water fishes. About the spawning period, espe- 

 cially in fish from weedy ponds, it is somewhat 

 musky or muddy in flavor, like other fishes in 

 similar situations; but by skinning the fish in- 

 stead of scaling it much of that unpleasant feature 

 is removed. 



BLACK-BASS TACKLE 



The first consideration for the fly-fisher is suit- 

 able tools and tackle, and the most important 

 article of his outfit is the fly-rod. Fortunately, 

 at the present day, manufacturers turn out such 

 good work that one does not have to seek far to 

 obtain the best. And the best is one made of 

 split bamboo by a first-class maker. Such a rod 

 necessarily commands a good price, but it is the 

 cheapest in the end, for with proper care it will 

 last a lifetime. I have rods of this character that 



