ASS-FISHING. 157 



too rocky ; and as a fair example of well-known Bass resorts, the 

 stretch from Westward Ho ! towards Clovelly might be quoted, or, 

 again, the shore from Aberystwyth, in Wales, running northward 

 to Borth. Of course, boat-fishing is neither so scientific nor so 

 exciting as fishing with the fly, though with light tackle a good 

 fight is by no means uncommon, and the chances are equalized. 

 Let no man think that because the fisher folk have never heard of 

 such a thing as Bass-fishing along the coast that, therefore, the 

 Bass does not exist in those parts. A keen sportsman can 

 generally discover some kind of amusement even in the dullest of 

 seaside resorts, and the pursuit of the Bass should be by no means 

 the last on his list. 



Another pleasing feature is that no costly fishing tickets need 

 be paid for; no tips to keepers need be forthcoming ; there is no 

 danger of fishing in preserved waters ; and there is no expense, a^ 

 any rate to the 'longshore fisher, beyond that of equipment. Such 

 a sport should be popular, but it has not received the attention 

 which is its due. This is, no doubt, a matter of congratulation to 

 those who, with limited incomes, especially appreciate its attrac- 

 tions. But there is another aspect of Bass-fishing distinctly in its 

 favour. It is a healthy sport, and one without many of the dis- 

 advantages of other pursuits. It needs no wading a frequent 

 cause of rheumatic troubles. It needs no rain and showers, dear 

 to the soul of the trout and salmon fisher, but dangerous to his 

 lungs. The dangers present in the hunting-field are absent here. 

 Bright sunshine, fresh sea air, and plenty of ozone are its chief 

 associations. Truly it is an ideal sport for the worn-out man of 

 business and the jaded city hack. 



