134 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



at once, in order to give free play to the fish and 

 lessen the probability of its taking to the weeds. 

 In open water the angler has a better chance 

 successfully to play and land his quarry, which 

 should be kept on the surface as much as pos- 

 sible. He can be aided ver^' much in his efforts 

 by the careful and judicious management of the 

 boat by a skilful oarsman. 



When the mascalonge shows signs of weakness 

 and can be drawn alongside, it should be gaffed 

 at once. Not by striking at it with quick and 

 violent motions, which serve only to frighten 

 the fish and endanger the angler's tackle, but the 

 gaff should be kept below the fish until it can 

 be drawn over it, and then by raising it slowly 

 and cautiously, until near enough, when, by a 

 quick upward and drawing motion, the point of 

 the hook should be driven into the throat or 

 breast of the fish, and by the same motion the 

 fish should be lifted into the boat. It should then 

 be killed by a smart stroke on the head, as a 

 wound from its sharp teeth is no trifling matter. 

 In the absence of a gaff-hook the fish should be 

 more thoroughly exhausted before bringing it 

 alongside the boat, when it should be struck a 

 stunning blow on the head before being taken in. 



