138 THE BASS. 



on the water than flies, for which reason the flies are preferable * 

 sometimes a small piece of the white skin of the belly of the 

 Bass : the truth is that the fish, being of a ravenous and rapa- 

 cious character, get so excited as to dash at any bright object 

 in rapid motion. 



At certain times of tides, frequently for days together, these 

 fish rise to the surface in immense quantities, and may then be 

 taken by rowing to windward of the shoal, and casting the flies 

 or other baits amongst them, drawing the line quickly through 

 the shoal of fish by short jerks, which will give a life-like 

 appearance to the flies. 



A gaff-hook or short-handled landing-net is frequently re- 

 quired to get your fish on board, as you sometimes hook them 

 of more than 10 Ibs. in weight : those who are not accustomed 

 to the management of a boat will require a boatman, as they 

 will find enough to do to handle the rod. 



During a fresh breeze against the tide is the most favourable 

 time for this sport, as it will render effectual aid in maintaining 

 your position. Whilst waiting for the fish to show themselves, 

 you may row up and down with the rod leaning over the side 

 of the boat, and you will take Whiting-Pollack as well as Bass 

 whilst so doing, also perchance a Mackerel, but immediately 

 you perceive the fish on the surface, row to windward and cast 

 the line as before. 



It may be imagined by those unacquainted with the habits 

 of this fish, that it would be just as effectual to row the boat 

 through the shoal with the line trailing astern, as to cast the 

 line with the rod to the fish ; this is not the case, however, as 

 they are of a shy nature, and immediately sink at the approach 

 of the boat whereas in the latter case they take the bait before 

 the boat arrives sufficiently near to alarm them. You will 

 generally find some gulls hovering over the shoal, which will 

 serve to point out its locality, if you are not near enough to per- 

 ceive the fish ; and this fact of the birds accompanying the 

 Bass arises from the fish pursuing the Sand-Eels to the surface, 

 when the gulls hasten to share the repast. 



For rod, winch, line, gaff, and landing or hand-net, see 

 ' Fly- Fishing at Sea,' p. 86 and following pages. 



