ANGLING FOR BASS 141 



using minnows. If the line is jerked when the bass 

 first takes the bait, it will be pulled from its mouth 

 before it has an opportunity to swallow the bait and 

 to get the hook fast. By keeping the line taut 

 the fish can be felt working at the bait. When 

 gorged it will start away. Then is the opportunity 

 to strike and set the hook. 



Minnow casting requires quite a little practice, as 

 the minnow is easily thrown off. A fairly heavy rod 

 is used, as stated, and the bait carefully cast back, 

 until touching the water, two or three yards of line 

 being pulled out from the reel and held in the left 

 hand. Then the cast forward is slowly made, the 

 slack held in the left hand being allowed to run 

 out as the line straightens, the minnow dropping 

 gently into the water. It is allowed to sink a little 

 and is slowly drawn back, another cast being made. 

 Casting with a small spinner is done in exactly the 

 same way. This kind of fishing will often prove 

 successful when all other methods fail. 



All lakes inhabited by bass contain either rocky 

 bars, or points and shelving shores of stones, upon or 

 about which the fish will usually be found. If they 

 run in shallow water, about ten feet deep or less, flies 

 can be used, but in deeper water bait fishing is better. 

 Sinkers sufficiently heavy to carry down the bait 

 should be used. When two or more are fishing 



