250 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



from snags, the worst that can happen is to hook the 

 bottom and that is not serious when the bottom is 

 free from obsructions. Where the bass lie, where 

 they come from, is more than I know, for one 

 seldom sees them when rowing over the ground. I 

 remember a certain lake, the upper half of which 

 was shallow sand-bottomed, with here and there a 

 patch of blossoming pickerel weed. One whole 

 week I camped upon its shores, casting early and 

 late, taking many a pike and wall-eye; still fishing 

 with live bait for strawberry-bass, rock-bass, perch 

 and such lesser game, though not one bass did I net 

 save as I trolled the sand-shallows with my ancient 

 "Skinner." One morning I took five goodly bronze- 

 backs in as many voyages over the sands. The time 

 of the year was August, if that will be of any satis- 

 faction. Since that day I have often resorted to the 

 method where the water was just right, and uni- 

 formly with success. As I look back upon the experi- 

 ence just narrated, it was one of the most enjoyable 

 of my long angling life. 



It is quite generally believed that August is a poor 

 month for the angler, and from my experience I am 

 ready to aver that when the "bloom is on the water," 

 casting is off color. Yet there is no time of the year 

 when the knowing and persistent rodster may not 

 take fish. If they won't bite, make 'em! In July 

 and August, if the season is unduly warm, the bass 

 seek out the cool recesses amid the weeds, deep 



