373 Book of the Black Bass. 



General Instructions. 



It is useless to east for black bass from high elevations 

 near the water, as a bold bank, a projecting rock, a dam, 

 etc., under ordinary circumstances; for the angler must 

 remember that the most commanding situation for seeing 

 the fish also furnishes the best facilities for being seen in 

 return, and vice versa. In fishing from a boat, it must be 

 kept in deep water, while long casts are made in-shore, 

 toward the feeding grouuds. We should never fish with 

 the sun at our back, or in such a position as to throw the 

 shadow of our rod or person upon the water. 



From what has been said in the chapter on the " condi- 

 tions governing the biting of fish,"' it will be apparent that 

 it is absolutely necessary that there be a breeze sufficient 

 to ruffle the surface of the water. It is folly for the 

 angler to cast his flies upon a smooth surface, if the water, 

 is clear enough for fishing. A gale is better than no wind 

 at all, and it does not matter from what direction the wind 

 blows, if the condition and temperature of water are right. 

 A good breeze is the angler's best ally, for by rippling the 

 water it breaks the line of sight, to a great extent, between 

 him and the fish. 



The angler should endeavor to cast his flics as lightly 

 as possible, causing them to settle without a splash. After 

 casting, the flies should be allowed to sink several inches 

 near likely-looking spots. If the current is swift, allow 

 the flies to float naturally with it, at times, before being 

 withdrawn for a new cast. Two or three times are enough 

 to cast over any one spot, when a rise is not induced. 



When bass are not biting eagerly, whipping the stream 

 may be practiced; that is, the casts are to be often and 

 rapidly repeated, allowing the flies to settle but a moment 

 before finally allowing them to sink. In casting and ma- 



