The Black Bass 



Black-bass fishing combines, in a meas- 

 ure, the heroic potentialities of salmon fish- 

 ing with the charms of trout fishing. The 

 leap of the bass is no less exciting than that 

 of the salmon, and is oftener repeated, 

 while in stream fishing the pastoral fea- 

 tures of trout fishing are experienced and 

 enjoyed. 



The leap of a hooked fish is always an The Leap of 

 exciting episode to the angler with red ^^^^*^ 

 blood in his veins — exciting because as an 

 offset to its probable capture there is the 

 very possible contingency of its escape by 

 throwing out the hook, or by breaking 

 away. So with each leap of the bass the 

 hopes and fears of the angler are constantly 

 exercised, while his pulses quicken and his 

 enthusiasm is aroused. Game fishes often 

 leap a few inches above the surface in play, 

 or to catch a low-flying insect; but when 

 hooked they vault to a height commensurate 

 with their agility and muscular ability. 

 They do not leap so high, however, as is 

 commonly supposed. 



A tarpon will leap six feet high, but the 



13 



