HINTS ON FISHING 157 



ing on the cross-pieces. The retreat is now finished 

 but if any paint is left use it on some good-sized 

 stones and drop them in the vicinity. The place 

 to build your retreat depends a great deal on circum- 

 stances. As a general rule, the best place in a lake 

 is near a point, just where the bottom drops off into 

 deeper water or at the mouth of a tributary stream. 

 On large streams build it near some deep pool and 

 in fairly quiet water. The presence of motor-boats, 

 hotels, and other things of course will influence your 

 choice of spots. 



The use of a scheme of this kind smacks too much of 

 pot-fishing where the conditions are normal as it is 

 surprising how soon a fish retreat will attract fish. 

 They evidently see the bright colors from quite a 

 distance and being naturally curious stop to investi- 

 gate as they travel by. When they find a nice shady 

 spot they stay, not only because of the shade but be- 

 cause a place of this kind attracts minnows and other 

 food. 



The very best place to cast over your retreat is 

 right through the center and the heavy ends of the 

 limbs are placed here, pointing slightly downward, 

 so you will not get snagged on the foliage. You 

 should work the retreat from all sides, however, being 

 careful not to get snagged. If you do you will have 

 to row up to release the hook and then it will be neces- 

 sary to fish elsewhere for a while. 



The retreat described above is permanent. All it 

 needs each year is a new supply of foliage and it 



