244 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



bank, and quietly let the spoon adventure down, 

 even under the low-lying branches. I can remember 

 taking three bass from a single tree-top by employ- 

 ing those tactics. The spoon is more of a casting 

 lure than many anglers realize. 



One of the most interesting hour's fishing in 

 which I ever indulged! was casting a spoon on a shal- 

 low lake. The time of the year was October, the 

 "bloom" off the water and the leafless trees along 

 the shore waving bare arms in mute protest to such 

 late fishing, or at least so it seemed to me. The 

 wind that kept the trees in motion had kicked up 

 quite a sea, in spite of which, the bass were on the 

 shallows. What brought them there I did not 

 know, indeed, I did not stop to enquire, satisfied to 

 know that they were present and hungry. My light 

 canoe danced and pranced like some half broken 

 broncho. Because of the high wind I found it im- 

 possible to get out over 30 feet of line, more often 

 less I fear. Just how many bass I took in the hour 

 I am not going to say; too many for a single rod I 

 know, but the best of us err upon occasion. How 

 the line ripped through the water and how the reel 

 shrieked with glee ! As I think back it was one of 

 the most delightful experiences of my angling days. 



