THE ART OF FISHING. 51 



will be no strike by the second fish. While, as a rule, the bass will 

 not rise to the surface for the fly, there are exceptions to the rule, 

 especially on the edge of swift water, or of pools at the foot of dams 

 or falls. Instances have been known of black bass rushing out of 

 the water to meet the fly. But the surest way of taking bass with a 

 fly is trolling beneath the surface. When casting for black bass in 

 a river where there is a current, the flies should be thrown abreast 

 of the current. As they swing around with it, keep the line taut 

 and let them be carried with the water. When they have dropped 

 to a position immediately below the angler, he should draw them 

 toward him gently, and if there is a bass within sight of the gaudy 

 lures it will make its presence known. The casts should be contin- 

 ued in that order until the angler is satisfied he is having his labor 

 for his pains. 



The Muskalonge. 



The Muskalonge belongs to the pike family, and is the largest of 

 fresh-water fish, frequently weighing from thirty to sixty pounds. 

 Similar rules and precautions should be observed in fishing for this 

 "the wolf of the waters" as are required for pike and pickerel. 

 Trolling is almost universally practiced, either with hand-line or, if 

 the fisherman be an expert, with rod and reel, and in each case with 

 a No. 8 Slzinner or similar spoon. 



The Northern Pike. 



The species known as northern pike is somewhat similar to the 

 muskalonge, though the markings are entirely different. He does 

 not grow to so large a size as the muskalonge and is only found in 

 northern lakes. He is one of the gamiest of fresh water fish. He 

 fights like a wild-cat from the time he is hooked until he is landed, 

 or escapes, while the common pike or pickerel, makes a spurt or 

 two when first hooked, and then allows you to drag him in as you 

 \vould a chunk. 



The Sucker. (Carp.) 



The sucker, like the cat-fish, and flounder, rather prefers streams 

 with muddy bottoms, but it appears that they will thrive in almost 

 any fresh water, and it will not be long before angling for carp in 

 our northern waters will become quite common, through the 

 "plants" of the fish commissioners. 



