THE BLACK BASS AS A GAME FISH 379 



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Parker Gilmore ("Ubique") says: "I fear it will be 

 almost deemed heresy to place this fish (Black Bass) on 

 a par with the Trout; at least, some such idea I had 

 when I first heard the two compared ; but I am bold, and 

 will go further. I consider he is the superior of the two, 

 for he is equally good as an article of food, and much 

 stronger and untiring in his efforts to escape when 

 hooked." 



In a recent issue of the London "Fishing Gazette" 

 (England), Mr. Silk advertises: "Black Bass (Grystes 

 nigricans), the gamest of American fish. 300 for sale 

 (just arrived), length from 3 to 5 inches; 6 months old. 

 Price, 10s. ($2.25) each." 



Now, while Salmon fishing is, unquestionably, the highest 

 branch of piscatorial sport; and while Trout fishing in 

 Canada, Maine, and the Lake Superior region justifies all 

 the extravagant praise bestowed upon it, I am inclined to 

 doubt the judgment and good taste of those anglers who 

 snap their fingers in contempt of Black Bass fishing, while 

 they will wade a stream strewn with brush and logs, catch 

 a few Trout weighing six or eight to the pound, and call 

 it the only artistic angling in the world ! While they are 

 certainly welcome to their opinion, I think their zeal is 

 worthy of a better cause. 



The Black Bass is eminently an American fish, and has 

 been said to be representative in his characteristics. He 

 has the faculty of asserting himself and making himself 

 completely at home wherever placed. He is plucky, game, 

 brave and unyielding to the last when h'ooked. He has 

 the arrowy rush and vigor of the Trout, the untiring 

 strength and bold leap of the Salmon, while he has a sys- 

 tem of fighting tactics peculiarly his own. 



