The Sunfisb Family 23 



be allowed to float down-stream, with tremulous 

 motions, sidewise, to imitate the struggles of a 

 drowning insect, and then permitted to sink sev- 

 eral inches or a foot at each cast. 



Whipping the stream is sometimes quite suc- 

 cessful where the bass does not respond to ordi- 

 nary casting. This is done by casting in quick 

 succession and repeatedly over one spot, allowing 

 the flies merely to touch the water, until several 

 such casts are made, when they should be per- 

 mitted to sink, for a few seconds, as before. In 

 making up the cast, two flies should be selected 

 of different combinations of colors, as polka and 

 professor. If necessary, changes should be made 

 until two are selected that seem to meet the 

 fastidious fancy of the fish. 



If a taut line is maintained, the bass usually 

 hooks himself, but the angler should strike quickly 

 upon feeling the slightest tug, or when seeing the 

 swirl of the fish. One cannot strike too quickly. 

 By striking is meant a simple turning of the 

 hand sidewise, with a perfectly tight line ; this 

 is amply sufficient to set the hook. Should the 

 line be slack and lifeless at the moment, a more 

 vigorous movement is required, but even then it 

 is usually too late. When a bass is hooked, the 



