LAKE CASTING FROM A BOAT 227 



the boat myself though that is somewhat difficult 

 even with the bow-facing oars. With the average 

 lake boat oars are better than a paddle, for few 

 boatmen can paddle a skiff without creating consid- 

 erable disturbance. I want quiet. 



Next to the boat in importance is the boatman. 

 I am not a lover of that member of the genus homo, 

 the professional guide. He is too often loquacious 

 or surly, depending upon the size of the tip, and he 

 is apt to think that the "sport" is something of a 

 fool as well as a gold mine. Just as you are about 

 to cast your lure into some likely looking pocket in 

 the lily pads, he whirls the boat about, saying in the 

 voice of a commander-in-chief, u Cast over there: 

 seven years, six months, three days and thirty-three 

 minutes ago, Mr. John Smith of Saint Louis, caught 

 a three-pounder when fishing with me by doing so." 

 It makes no difference what your knowledge of the 

 game, you may be an expert caster and thoroughly 

 acquainted with the habits of the fish sought, he 

 knows the water and has his way, for all else being 

 equal he should be right. When resort keepers 

 supply mutes for boatmen my faith will be restored. 



Knowing the water, two casters should fish to- 

 gether, turn and turn about. There you have com- 

 panionship and gentle rivalry, the sauce piquant of 

 any variety of angling. The position of the boat- 

 man, or caster as you please, is a matter of impor- 

 tance. The caster should cover the water first, with 



