FISHING A RIVER FROM A BOAT 183 



The ichythic possibilities of five miles of measurably 

 swift bass water are almost beyond the power of pen 

 to describe. Of course the successful fisherman will 

 be possessed of "fish sense," know the habits and 

 lurking places of the bass he seeks, without which 

 the best tackle, boat, skill with rod, and populous 

 water, will not avail. In this chapter it is my pur- 

 pose to offer a f ew hints regarding how to fish from a 

 boat, though I hope never to lose sight of the 

 aesthetical, for that is as worth while as the 

 piscatorial. 



It may be possible to "paddle your own canoe" 

 and cast as you make your way along, but the 

 average angler, so doing, will miss some of the best 

 fishing, and the chances are that when he hooks the 

 always dreamed-of ".big one," he will experience 

 trouble with his boat, his tackle, lose the monster, 

 and perhaps take an involuntary bath. While I am 

 free to admit that a companion is not always an 

 unmixed blessing, I do not well see how he can be 

 dispensed with when riding the current. "Guide?" 

 No, never ! A fishing companion is by all odds the 

 better. Two fishermen can cast "turn and turn 

 about," which adds gentle rivalry to the sport. 

 There should be mutual understanding that the man 

 at the paddle is to hold his peace, no matter what 

 the temptation to advise and instruct. Naturally the 

 man who runs the boat will think that he could cast 

 to better advantage, and play the hooked fish more 



