LAKB AND POND FISHING. 



pond be as clear of weeds as it may, it is the best plan to make a cast 

 in shore first ; as large fish when prowling about in search of food 

 are sure to come there, well knowing that in that quarter they are 

 ,the most likely to obtain it. 



The like observations will also be equally applicable to large 

 waters where a boat is employed; and most anglers will find that 

 by keeping at a moderate distance from shore, fishing inwards, 

 dropping into even the shallowest waters, they will in the long 

 join, not only catch more, but much finer fish than by casting out- 

 wards into the deeps. But it often happens that there is some 

 gravelly bar or spit rising some distance from the shore, or run- 

 ning out a considerable distance from it, and shallows of this 

 jkind are always depending localities in ponds or lakes ; and al- 

 though at certain times fish will rise in very deepest parts of the 

 Jake, where doubtless there are plenty of them at all times ; yet when 

 pinched by hunger they generally leave their more secure retreats 

 ,in the deep to forage for supplies in the shallow waters. Every 

 pond and lake has in fact some parts far better than others, and 

 where the limits are not too extended, the anglers best plan will 

 be to try every where, when he will most likely light upon them. 

 When a boat is used, as little splash as possible should be made 

 yvith the oars or pole, either in propelling the boat or keeping it 

 jBtationary. When the wind is favourable for the purpose it is a 

 good plan to allow the boat to drift before it either broadside, or end 

 on, according to the strength of the breeze, for if drifted in the latter 

 position when a fresh wind is stirring, the progress of the boat 

 would be far too rapid. 



Either minnows or the brass killdevil may be employed to 

 great advantage in ponds that are free from weeds, being the best 

 bait that can be there used to entice the larger fish. If you fish 

 from the land, it is the best plan to make a cast, and then walking 

 on by the water side draw on your bait after you, first rather in 

 shore, and then deeper, till you have tried over all the ground you 

 can reach ; but make as no more casts than you can help, as by so 

 doing as I before remarked,* you are likely to excite the suspicion 

 of the fish. If you troll from a boat, you should have out a 

 good length of line, and also a long rod to keep your baits 

 clear .of the boat, which should be rowed along gently through 

 the water. 



;e p. 101, 



