CASTING THE MINNOW. 423 



When a Bass is hooked the boatman should pull at 

 once for deep water, for the better management of the fish, 

 and to prevent its taking refuge among weeds, rocks, 

 snags, etc. In deep water the fish has better play and 

 more room, and the angler, having fewer difficulties to en- 

 counter, enjoys more thoroughly the ensuing contest and 

 final capture and landing of his prey. 



If fishing from the banks of a stream, the angler should 

 keep as near the level of the water as possible, or, still 

 better, he should wade the stream when practicable. He 

 should cast below the riffles, near gravelly bars, sub- 

 merged roots or snags, weed patches and projecting rocks 

 in the bed of the stream, and under shelving rocks on 

 the banks, etc. After striking a Bass, he should lead him 

 into deeper water if possible, or, at all events, away from 

 dangerous places. 



After casting the minnow, and it alights at a favorable 

 spot, it should be left for a longer or a shorter time, depend- 

 ing on the nature of the water fished, and upon the 

 abundance, scarcity, and mood of the Bass. As the line 

 slackens, it should be slowly reeled until the entire line is 

 retrieved. Sometimes, when fish are plentiful and biting 

 eagerly, it is best to make frequent casts, reeling in rapidly 

 after each cast, especially in rather shallow water, so as to 

 give a rapid swimming motion to the bait. 



When the Bass takes the bait, the angler should let him 

 have it from two to ten seconds, according to the mood of 

 the fish. If he bites eagerly and wickedly, the angler 

 may hook him at once ; but if he seems shy, off his feed, 

 and inclined to toy with the bait, let him have it a few 

 seconds, and give him line as he takes it, keeping the 

 thumb upon the spool as a drag, however, so as to feel 



