210 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



lures to strike. He will be sure that every under- 

 water snag and weed-bed is known. Nothing will 

 be taken for granted. During the day time he will 

 cruise up and down the field, confining himself to a 

 very circumscribed area, studying conformation, 

 currents and cat-tails. After night has fallen there 

 will be little or no temptation to travel a-far, the 

 angler will be perfectly satisfied to cover a re- 

 stricted territory, casting not too often but well. 

 In no variety of angling is accuracy and instinctive 

 control of tackle of greater importance. Again and 

 again the night caster will be compelled to depend 

 upon the sense o>f feeling. It is that delightful 

 mysteriousness which makes the sport so alluring 

 to the experienced: Let me advise the reader not 

 to attempt the pastime until he has thoroughly 

 mastered the short rod and reel. It is not a sport 

 for the tyro. Never cast after dark in unfamiliar 

 water unless you can contemplate the possibility of 

 a broken rod or snagged lure with equanimity. 



Naturally tackle should be of the best, nothing 

 cheap or shoddy from butt-cap to trailing hook. If 

 the would-be night caster possess two rods, as every 

 experienced bass fan should, one light and the other 

 somewhat heavier, let him employ the latter by all 

 means. The added weight and stiffness will not 

 interfere with the casts, and may prove a great 

 asset in case of trouble. Long casts will not be 

 required and should not be indulged in. Here is 



