250 A SPORTING PARADISE 



reels, some preferring a check and others a plain 

 wheel. 



A general guide to the experienced angler 

 will be to anticipate fish varying from 3 Ibs. to 

 40 Ibs. in weight, and some knowledge of pike- 

 fishing will thoroughly qualify for bass and 

 large fish. Black bass have a peculiar habit 

 of jumping out of the water, and should the 

 line be slack they invariably escape. I am of 

 opinion that artificial bait will not be successful 

 in these primitive waters. Trolling has been 

 universally the method adopted here. Whether 

 the weather be good or bad a large basket is 

 certain. 



Still-fishing for trout requires suitable fishing 

 weather. It is wise to let the fish hook himself, 

 and when you feel his weight on the line, then, 

 and not before, you should raise the top of the 

 rod gradually, avoiding all jerks ; give the fish all 

 the pull that the rod and tackle will stand without 

 danger of straining. This drives the hook over 

 the barb into the fish's mouth ; when he feels it, 

 he probably runs out twenty, thirty, or forty 

 yards of line at express pace, and then throws 

 himself once or twice out of the water. In this 

 first race he cannot be checked without failure, 



