230 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



from the best casting direction. I wish to be in the 

 bow facing the work, or if in the stern, then with 

 that end ahead. The angler should cast in front, 

 well ahead of the boat, covering all the water. 

 Stand off within easy casting distance. Accuracy 

 and control are of greater value than distance. 



The angler must know where to look for his fish, 

 and while habits of the water-dwellers differ even 

 in adjacent fishing grounds, there is sufficient simi- 

 larity always to warrant a man's casting in a certain 

 spot, given a certain environment. To illustrate : 

 if you see the whitened "bones" of a dead tree lying 

 upon the bottom close up in shore, and you are bass- 

 wise, you will never pass it by without covering 

 every foot of its length. Cast first at the outer end 

 and work in-shore. It is unwise to cast over a fish, 

 though there are times when it seems impossible for 

 an angler to frighten, them, no matter what he does. 

 A weed-bed, especially a patch of water lilies, al- 

 ways spells bass to me. Usually a cast made close 

 up against them is sufficient, and there are times 

 when to cast a weedless lure out into the little open 

 pockets of water, well back in the bed, will bring 

 results. Such casting, however, is difficult, for the 

 weeds offer much protection to the fish. Neverthe- 

 less, a careful and patient angler can accomplish it. 

 At times fish will be found upon the shallows, early 

 in the morning and again .'.ite in the evening, then 

 to cast with a surface lure is great sport. Where a 



