232 



With Rod and Gun in A T ew England 



ification of the Henshall rod, of the same weight, but only seven and one- 

 half feet in length, and in two pieces. It is admirably adapted to fishing 

 with a heavy sinker, and is known as the "Little Giant" rod. It is made 

 in split-bamboo, and also in ash and lancewood, by the T. H. Chubb Rod 

 Company. 



Black-bass fishing on lakes or lake-like streams that are not subject to 

 sudden freshets is always better, as already stated, than on shallower, 

 swifter streams where the water is liable to rise suddenly after a heavy 

 rain. 



The fishing is also more certain of good or uniform results on lakes 

 and at almost any time during summer or fall, than on swift streams where 

 the angler must wait until the water "is right" even though all other con- 

 ditions are favorable. For this reason spring fishing on such streams is 

 never so reliable as the autumn fishing, on account of the frequent spring 

 rains. 



The Small-Mouthed Black Bass. 



There is one wrinkle in this connection that will be of use to many an 

 angler if he is not already aware of it. I have often taken advantage of 

 it to the filling of my creel when others on the same stream had very little 

 " luck," owing to the sudden rise and roiling of the water after a heavy 

 rain. It is this : when the muddy water comes rushing down, the current is 

 strongest in the centre of the stream or channel, and is also muddiest, 

 while along the shores the water will be comparatively clear or " milky " 

 and the current not so strong, — little eddies often forming along the banks, 

 and sometimes the water there will be almost still. The bass will naturally 

 leave their usual haunts, under these circumstances, and keep close to the 

 shores, when the knowing angler, by casting his fly or bait close to the 

 bank can pick them out at the very edge of the water. 



Another thing worth knowing is that all fishes feed mostly at night, 

 and in shallow water about the shoals and close along the shores. There- 

 fore, late in the afternoon or at night, if the angler wishes, is the very best 



