1 66 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



matically and the fish was fast. I used the contriv- 

 ance but once upon a bass and I was satisfied. The 

 nippers closed upon my capture, transfixing it from 

 both sides instantly, killing the fish. I never used 

 the gaff to land another black-bass. Recently a new 

 nipper has appeared upon the market which seems to 

 have some points of excellence; it will hold the fish 

 securely, but after all I much doubt that it will take 

 the place of the old regulation landing-net. 



The requirements of the boat fisherman are some- 

 what different from those of the one who wades, the 

 former's net should be possessed of a comparatively 

 long handle, though I can see no need for the 5 foot 

 length sometimes employed. A 30 inch handle is 

 long enough in all conscience, more convenient and 

 I think, on the whole, generally satisfactory. Of 

 course, with the exceedingly long handle it is pos- 

 sible to reach well out from the boat, but I had 

 rather play the fish until I can bring him close up to 

 the boat or do anything with him I please. The fun 

 of the game is in playing the fish and not in netting. 

 I would gladly eliminate the latter if possible. I 

 never slip the landing net under a goodly bass that I 

 do not feel sorry for my prize, he puts up such a gal- 

 lant fight that the angler possessed of an atom of 

 sporting blood must needs respect him. 



The net for the black bass fisherman will depend 

 upon the individual angler. There is no question but 

 that the long handled net is most convenient when 



