394 Black Bass Fishing. 



usually takes it when it is dipped or trailed on the surface. Deer 

 hair is very buoyant, and the queer-looking bob seems like a huge, 

 grotesque insect, flying or skimming along the clear, still waters. 



"Skittering," continued the Professor, "is practiced with a 

 strong line about the length of the rod, to which is affixed a small 

 trolling-spoon, a minnow, or a piece of pork-rind cut in the rude 

 semblance of a small fish. The boat is poled along, as in 'bobbing,' 

 but farther out in the stream, when the angler, standing in the bow, 

 'skitters' or skips the spoon or bait over the surface just at the edge 

 of the weeds. Skittering is a more legitimate method of angling 

 than bobbing, for with the longer line the bass gives considerable 

 play before he can be taken into the boat ; and as this manner of 

 fishing is usually done in shallow waters abounding in moss, grass, 

 and weeds, the fish must be kept on the surface and landed quickly. 



" Ignatius, you should become a fly-fisher," added the Professor. 

 " Your style of bait-fishing is admirably suited to the Northern lakes 

 and the deep rivers, where, indeed, it is the favorite method with 

 the best anglers, though a small swivel or sinker is necessary to 

 keep the minnow beneath the surface. But on such a charming, 

 rapid, and romantic river as this, the artificial fly alone should be 

 used. This afternoon, when the sun is low in the west, bass will 

 again rise to the fly, and if you like we will try them again." 



And now, while the Professor and Ignatius are talking of other 

 matters over their pipes, we will conclude by wishing "good luck" 

 to the entire fraternity of anglers, from him of the aesthetic fly to him 

 of the humble worm, but with a mental reservation as to him of the 

 hand-line and spoon. 



