BAIT-CASTER AND BASSES 93 



the canoeist may, if he chooses, depend upon his bait- 

 casting rod for both "grub" and sport. 



The fly-caster who has done most of his casting when 

 wading would do well to practice casting from a canoe 

 before starting out on a canoeing trip having for its 

 object bass fly-fishing. A fact not generally recognized 

 is that fly-casting when wading and fly-casting from a 

 canoe are two very different propositions you have 

 only to try it once to admit this. It does not here seem 

 advisable to discuss the technicalities of fly-casting from 

 a boat or canoe; it should be noted, however, that one 

 of the most important things is, when a cast has been 

 made and in the retrieve, to keep a taut line from 

 water to rod tip by stripping in the line through the 

 guides with the left hand. It is also a good plan not 

 to use your trout fly-rod, unless it is a very strong one, 

 for bass fishing. The fine little trout rod, adapted to 

 fly-casting in small streams, is ineffective and certain 

 to be damaged if used much for bass fishing. The 

 analogy between handling a quarter-pound brook trout 

 and a two-pound small-mouthed bass is not at all too 

 close for comfort. 



The angler planning a trip for the fall months should 

 remember that, while the days are sure to be comfort- 

 ably warm, the nights are apt to be uncomfortably 

 cool, and he should add to his summer camp kit, divers 

 sweaters, blankets, etc. Also the fact that at this time 

 it is permissible to kill waterfowl and upland game 

 should not be overlooked, and a small-bore rifle or a 

 shotgun, the former preferable from the canoeist's 

 point of view, may add acceptably to the bill of fare. 



