THE TROUT OF THE LAKES 113 



and light tackle, and have come off victorious; 

 but, nevertheless, the practise is hereby not rec- 

 ommended: one runs too great chances. 



I must not close this chapter without saying a 

 word or two regarding bait-fishing. The early- 

 season-lakes referred to a few moments ago, 

 those from which trout are taken up to the mid- 

 dle of May, are bait lakes: the fish as a rule 

 absolutely and resolutely refuse to be inveigled 

 by flies it is bait or bacon. Naturally it is deep 

 fishing, and the bait, earthworms and minnows; 

 the former will take the most fish and the latter 

 large ones. Ordinarily, I do not use a sinker, 

 though when a strong wind is blowing it is some- 

 times necessary. I do not use an orthodox bait- 

 rod, preferring the seven-ounce fly-rod, with reel 

 below the hand. I use a quadruple reel, of 

 course; for, as pointed out before in this chap- 

 ter, there are times when to be able quickly to 

 gather in slack is of utmost importance. I 

 would sum up my advice regarding bait-fishing 

 in these words: Fish the bottom. It does not 

 sound very attractive or sportsmanlike, I know, 

 but it is the method that succeeds; and the un- 

 usual conditions and the size of the fish add zest 

 to what otherwise would be unattractive. 



Several summers ago I was fishing a north 



