426 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



strikes the water), for if the Bass falls across a taut line 

 he is almost sure to tear the hook out. If he breaks 

 water with a short line, the rod may be elevated so as 

 to keep the line above him, following him back as he 

 falls into the water. 



If there is danger of the Bass getting to the weeds, 

 or to the protection of snags, roots, rocks, etc., he must 

 be stopped at all hazards. If the rod is a good one, and 

 pliable, the angler must not hesitate to give him the butt ; 

 this will bring him up standing, with no danger to a first- 

 class rod; but if the rod is a stiff one, turning the butt to 

 him will be most sure to break it; in this case it is best 

 to keep the Bass away from dangerous places by main 

 strength, and the natural bend of the rod. If fishing 

 from a boat, great caution must be used to prevent the 

 Bass from running under it, as he will be sure to do if he 

 has the opportunity ; and should he succeed, the rod must 

 be quickly passed around the stern or bow, and the thumb 

 at once released from the reel so as to allow the line to 

 run out as rapidly as possible, otherwise a broken rod is 

 the result. 



When the fish is thoroughly exhausted, he should be 

 landed, and not before. Most anglers attempt to land 

 their fish too soon, thus curtailing their sport and endan- 

 gering their tackle. The landing-net should be held 

 several inches beneath the surface of the water, and held 

 perfectly still, when the angler should bring the fish over 

 it; then the net should be lifted quickly, and with one 

 motion. The angler must never, himself, nor allow his 

 assistant" to, frighten the fish by lunging at it with the 

 net, in attempting to secure it. More fish are lost in 

 clumsy endeavors to land them, than in any other way. 



