Trolling. 433 



the use of the lip-hook ; a minnow will spin as well hooked 

 in this way as with the most approved spinning-tackle. 



The angler, with his boatman, in trolling with the rod, 

 proceeds in a boat over the fishing-grounds, with from 

 twenty to thirty yards of line out. The rod must be held 

 with the tip elevated, so as to keep it constantly curved, 

 and the thumb should be applied to the spool of the reel 

 so as to be ready at any moment for the violent rush of 

 the bass, for he bites very wickedly at the moving bait. 

 The fish must be hooked at once, though he usually fastens 

 himself. If the angler has a long line out he must reel 

 in his fish as soon as possible, until he has him within 

 proper bounds, when he can kill him at his leisure. The 

 manipulation of the bass after he is hooked is Just the 

 same as described in the chapter on easting the minnow, 

 to which the reader is referred. 



It is useless to troll in deep water, far from shore; it 

 should only be practiced in water from three to ten feet 

 deep, following the trend of the shore, as far as possible, 

 where the proper conditions exist, which are given in a 

 previous chapter. 



Tkolling with the Hand-Line. 



Trolling with the hand-line is a very tame and simple 

 mode of angling; in fact, is the most simple method prac- 

 ticed, there being no skill, whatever, required in luring or 

 in manipulating the bass after he is hooked. It is a very 

 questionable style of sport, at best; and considered in this 

 light, is exceedingly flat, and savors strongly of pot-fishing. 

 It is indulged in on lakes, ponds and broad rivers, mostly 

 by boys and those unfortunates who can not, or will not, 

 learn to handle the rod. 



