TROUT IN THE NIGHT-TIME 75 



fish when the "full August moon" smiled down. 

 Personally I should not let the moon's phase 

 deter or urge me to night fishing, as I do not 

 believe that the moon has much to do with a 

 fish's appetite, though a full-moon is of great aid 

 to the angler. Some people insist that fish can 

 see better when the moon shines, a statement 

 which I receive with caution, for the darker the 

 night the more large fish one hears leaping in 

 the pools of a small stream, presumably feeding. 

 The night activities of trout are as mysterious 

 as the movements of certain city gangs. 



I may not close this chapter without a word 

 regarding tackle, not that special tackle is re- 

 quired, but certain qualities are demanded. The 

 rod should be the regular fly-rod, somewhat 

 stiffer perhaps, possessed of plenty of action but 

 with sufficient backbone to hold even a heavy fish. 

 The length of the rod will vary with the water 

 to be fished, not over eight and a half feet for 

 small creeks, and up to whatever you desire for 

 boat fishing. All that I have said in these chap- 

 ters regarding quality should be emphasized 

 here, for in no fishing will a man be compelled 

 to demand so much of a rod. As you love your 

 light rod do not put it to the service. A good 

 steel rod is a splendid tool, for should you get 



