98 GUN, ROD, AND SADDLE. 



tion and headstrong energy which no other fresh- 

 water fish of the same size, I believe, possesses. 



The black bass is an extremely free feeder, and is 

 caught in all the various ways used to capture trout. 

 He rises freely at the fly ; with minnow or worm, 

 craw-fish, spoon bait, or almost any artificial device, 

 he can be taken. On being hooked, generally the 

 first effort he makes for freedom is to spring from 

 the water. Look out, Mr. Angler, dip your rod in 

 courtesy to him, for if you neglect the requisite 

 salam, your acquaintance will probably terminate. 

 When this device has failed, with a purpose and 

 force alike surprising, he makes a rush for parts un- 

 known, and not until every effort, every trick is put 

 in practice, that is known to the fish family, can you 

 get the slightest chance to use your landing net. I 

 have frequently, after a long and fierce struggle, 

 been about to place the net under him, but the 

 movement was enough ; though apparently exhaust- 

 ed, the fish took a new lease of life, and a further 

 trial of patience was demanded before I could call 

 the prize mine. In shape, the black bass much re- 

 sembles a well-fed trout ; but is deeper and thicker 

 made, while the tail is remarkable for its breadth. 

 Their weight varies from one pound to five pounds ; 



