434 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



more apt to find where the Bass are feeding, and thus to 

 know just the character of the ground and depth of water 

 to try successfully on each particular occasion. And, lastly, 

 it secures a constant change of location, and adds enough of 

 the spice of variety to satisfy the most impatient angler. 



The minnow casting-rod, previously described, is the 

 one best adapted to this or any other mode of bait- 

 fishing, though any light and pliable rod, not exceeding 

 ten or eleven feet in length, will answer, and even the fly- 

 rod can be utilized here. A stiff and unyielding rod 

 should not be used, for the sudden and violent " bite " 

 of the Bass, in this method of angling, with the rod ever 

 bent, and taut line, would be very likely to break it, un- 

 less the rod were of the hoop-pole pattern. 



The only lines admissible here are the braided raw or 

 boiled silk-line, and the braided linen-line ; twisted lines 

 can not be used at all on account of their kinking. The 

 caliber should be a size larger than recommended for cast- 

 ing the minnow, which, in silk-lines, would be sizes E, or 

 No. 3, and F, or No. 4: and, in linen lines, F, or No. 4, 

 and G, or No. 5. The length should be from fifty to 

 seventy-five yards. 



It is best to use a leader from six to nine feet long, with 

 either flies, the minnow, or spoon. The float should not 

 be used. One or two swivels are necessary; but, usually, 

 no sinker is required. 



If artificial flies are used for the troll, a gut-leader, nine 

 feet in length, and three flies, may be employed ; or, a 

 twelve-feet leader, and four flies, as preferred by some. 

 The flies should be placed about three feet apart on the 

 leader. An attractive combination of varieties in the flies 

 should be observed. 



