104 Bass, Pike, and Percb 



the lips, the natural squid or an eel-tail ; also 

 the artificial squid of bone or block tin, or a 

 trolling-spoon or spinner with a single hook. 

 When the spoon or artificial squid is used it is 

 not necessary or advisable to add sandworms 

 or other natural bait, as is often done. Employ 

 one or the other, but never both in combina- 

 tion. The artificial baits are sufficiently attrac- 

 tive in themselves, and the additions mentioned 

 do not enhance their effectiveness. The boat 

 should be rowed alongshore, or over rocky 

 reefs or shoals, and about the eddies of rock 

 pools. As the fish always hooks itself in troll- 

 ing, it only remains for the angler to play and 

 land his quarry in good form, always having a 

 large landing-net or gaff in the boat. 



Casting menhaden bait from the rocky shores 

 of the coast requires tools and tackle of great 

 excellence and strength, as the largest bass are 

 taken in this way. The most approved rod is 

 a first-class split-bamboo, eight or eight and 

 one-half feet long, and weighing from twelve to 

 sixteen ounces. A more serviceable rod, that is, 

 one that will admit of harder usage, is made of 

 greenheart, lancewood, or bethabara, of the same 

 length, but somewhat heavier. A cheaper rod, 



