B A I T-F ISHING FOR BLACK BASS 



Chugging 



There is a method of trolling which, shghtly 

 varied, is known on the Niagara River as " chug- 

 ging." It is alluded to more particularly for its 

 value to fishermen when first visiting an unknown 

 water, as it enables them to find the favorite 

 feeding-grounds of the black bass. A heavy 

 sinker of four to eight ounces in weight is attached 

 to the line, and about three feet above the sinker a 

 gut leader of three or four feet in length is fast- 

 ened, and the hook is baited with a live minnow. 

 The boatman is ordered to row slowly, and the 

 sinker is allowed to touch the bottom every now 

 and then, the leader and the minnow extending at 

 an angle of about 45° from the line if the boat is 

 properly and slowly rowed. With this gear you 

 compass the lake or pond, telling your local boat- 

 man (who should know the physical character of 

 the water upon which he guides and lives) not to 

 neglect passing over all the relatively shallow flats. 

 When the pluck of a fish is felt, or a bass taken, 

 instruct the boatman to make a wide circle and 

 again pass over, as near as may be, the same spot. 

 If upon his doing so, another bite is felt, circle 

 once more, and if similar results occur you have 

 found a feeding-ground, so anchor and be happy. 



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