THE basses: fres h-w ater and marine 



credulous angler, many of these strange devices will 

 bring rises and strikes a-plenty. 



Bass may be taken in swift-running rivers by 

 methods analogous to those of fly-fishing for trout. 

 In ponds and lakes they may be taken by casting 

 and troUing, either with natural bait or artificial 

 lures, or by still-fishing with natural bait. Prob- 

 ably no other game-fish taken by the American 

 angler responds to such a variety of lures presented 

 in such a variety of methods. 



The recent popularity of the new sport of bait- 

 casting has served greatly to increase interest in 

 angling for black bass, and has largely stimulated 

 the production of artificial lures. 



In the new form of bait-casting, from the reel, 

 with the short rod, the shape and weight of the 

 artificial lure and its easy flight through the air are 

 of much importance; on them depend the distance 

 and accuracy of the cast. With a lure weighing 

 an ounce or more, casts averaging much over a 

 hundred feet are made by good casters. More 

 good water may be covered by this method in a 

 short time than by any other, and it exactly meets 

 the restless American's love for activity and change 

 of scene even in his pastimes. 



Natural, or live, bait has distinct disadvantages. 

 It is difficult, sometimes impossible, to obtain; does 

 not live long in confinement; is frequently unsuited 

 to the waters to which it may be transported; is not 



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