THE STRIPED BASS 



to no tricks such as every salmon-fisherman must 

 overcome in the pursuit of his favorite quarry. The 

 bass fights in the water, at the bottom or mid- 

 depth, utiUzing every accessory which nature has 

 furnished for its protection. Sharp rocks, stems of 

 kelp, sunken timbers, or whatever may offer a 

 chance to chafe or cut the line or break the hook 

 are employed to the best advantage. A quick 

 change of direction, involving sudden slacking of 

 the line, is one of the wiles which often lead to 

 failure with the most expert anglers. 



Casting through the surf is one of the most exhil- 

 arating, though precarious, methods of bass-fishing. 

 When a great fish is hooked, everything combines 

 to circumvent the fisherman: the bass itself, the 

 weight of the surf, the action of the undertow, 

 the friction of rocks, the uncertain footing of the 

 fisherman, and, frequently, the force of the winds, 

 — sorely try his patience and test his skUl to the 

 utmost. The muscles of the bass are formed with 

 regard to strength as well as to symmetry, and 

 when supplemented by unflinching courage they 

 involve a contest which soon develops into a furious 

 battle. No angler, however skilful, can be sure of 

 his prize until it is fairly landed beyond the power 

 of escape. 



The great vitality of the bass wiU be more fully 

 appreciated when we remember its power of endur- 

 ing long journeys and close captivity. The splen- 



183 



