140 SCIENCE OF FISHING. 



fishing for black bass is bait-casting, using the artificial 

 baits before described. 



Not much can be said of this method, other than what 

 was given in the chapter on bait-casting. The outfit is the 

 short bait-casting rod, same line and reel as for fishing 

 with natural bait, and any artificial bait. The bait is cast 

 to good looking places, and as soon as the bait strikes the 

 water the rod is shifted to the left hand and the line reeled 

 in, not too fast. A surface bait, one that floats, is best for 

 the beginner, and as a rule for others also in still water; 

 for streams the underwater bait works best, especially during 

 midsummer. The bait should not be reeled steadily, but 

 should be moved short distances at a time, and made to 

 dance and wiggle on the water. Each angler has his favorite 

 baits. Small bass will attack a large bait as quickly as a 

 small one, and so will the large ones. They are never 

 afraid of it and the splash of a large bait as it strikes the 

 water will not alarm them. As a rule the largest fish are 

 caught by artificial bait-casting. This may be because the 

 artificial bait is used more than anything else, but more likely 

 is because the big fellows are angered by the tantalizing 

 movements of the artificial baits. As proof of this, a darting 

 spoon bait, making all kinds of eccentric moves, seems to be 

 more attractive than one that merely revolves. 



Artificial baits may be used at night for bass and other 

 fish, and are usually very successful as black bass feed 

 mostly at night. The Moonlight Floating Baits are made 

 specially for night fishing, being luminous, and are good for 

 day use too. 



Fly fishing for bass is popular with many anglers. It 

 is very successful in some waters but in others bass do not 

 take a fly well. It does not catch as many of the big fellows 

 as the bait methods, but a two pound black bass on fly 

 tackle makes more sport for the angler than a three pounder 



