218 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



one hand, the latter grasped in the right with the 

 net handle, while you control the fish with the left. 

 Perhaps, probably, you will be compelled to drop 

 the net and flash before you conquer; well for you 

 if in your excitement you do not drop them where 

 you can not find them when you want them again. 

 The bass netted and safely creeled, you will wipe 

 the beads of sweat from your forehead, surprised 

 to find your whole body in a glow. Such is the bat- 

 tle of the midnight bronze-back. 



As to how late the fish will feed, all depends 

 upon the local water, the weather and number of 

 anglers. I have known bass waters where the large- 

 mouth fed throughout the reign of Erebus, but they 

 were much sought by anglers during the day, and 

 had therefore become night-feeders almost exclu- 

 sively. Nine times out of ten a rodster could take 

 a good basket between the hours of 10 p. M. and 3 

 A. M. The weather has a great deal to do with 

 fishing, as it has had since the time of Isakk Walton. 

 Night fishing is at its best in July and August, when 

 the "bloom" is on the water and the direct rays of 

 the sun sends the fish deep down for low tempera- 

 ture and shade. "I do not understand what these 

 fish live on," remarks the uninitiated, returning 

 from the lake as the stars begin to peep out, "they 

 are never on the feed." Sly old bass. Ignorant 

 fisherman. The former has changed his habits and 

 the latter must do likewise if he hopes for success. 



