674 AMERICAN ANGLER'S BOOK. 



out several hundred yards by the current, Bass and other large fish are 

 thus attracted and follow the strong scent towards the shore, and if on the 

 feed, do not leave until their numbers are considerably lessened by the 

 angler. 



Casting. — Before I advert to the " mode peculiar," as you call it, let me 

 describe casting with the hand-line. The preparatory evolution in this 

 way of fishing is to coil your line at your side ; then taking your position 

 not quite facing the water but rather obliquely, seize the line between 

 your forefinger and thumb, about five feet above the hook, whirl it above 

 your head not quite horizontally, until you give it sufficient impetus, and 

 let it go as it comes nearly in front. The weight of the bait will carry 

 the line out; no lead or dipsey is required, in fact, either of them is 

 objectionable, as it would sink the hook too much, and entangle it in the 

 sea-weed. Now let me give you a lesson on 



Casting with the Rod. — You must bear in mind that in most cases your 

 stand is on a rock, and as the sea runs high it is frequently necessary to 

 protect yourself with an oil-cloth suit, and always to have a secure foot- 

 hold, to insure that you are not knocked off your " pins" by some incom- 

 ing wave. 



A Trout-fisher has his enemies in his rear in the shape of limbs and 

 bushes, but a Bass-fisher has his opponents to contend with in his front, 

 as the wind and weather, the sea-weed, or his line overrunning itself, or 

 becoming entangled from being kinky, or from being wound unevenly on 

 the barrel of the reel, when it stops short with a jerk and sometimes 

 comes back in his face. To avoid these contingencies and acquire the 

 knack of doing the thing properly, I would advise the tyro to make his 

 first essay on an open flat piece of ground ; winding his line even and 

 level on his reel. He should not have more than a half yard remaining 

 beyond the tip of his rod, and to the end of his line he should tie a 

 weight or stone of four ounces. Then putting the left foot foremost and 

 standing sideways to the direction in which you intend to cast, seize your 

 rod with your left hand by the extreme butt end, the thumb of your right 

 pressing on the barrel of the reel. Now swing your rod horizontally 

 behind, and bring it around to your front with a bold cast, raising your 

 thumb from the barrel as it comes nearly in front. — There goes your 

 counterfeit bait ! but not as far, nor exactly in the direction you intended 

 it. — Try it again — winding the line evenly on your reel, and guiding it 

 with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand, which is held about 

 four inches in front of the reel, and not allowing the line to overlap. 



