THE basses: fres h-w ater and marine 



and similar gaudy creations. Trolling the fly is 

 sometimes the only effectual method, giving ample 

 length of line and working the lure at the surface 

 of the water. 



Methods of Capture 



Still-Fishing with Bait. — StUl-fishing with bait 

 from an anchored boat or from the bank is very 

 general on both coasts. This yields the best results 

 in rather shallow water of the estuaries, in the tide- 

 ways, or " thoroughfares," at proper stages of the 

 tide, near river mouths, or in the tidal waters of 

 rivers. Expert anglers even beyond tide-water 

 often make good catches at the edges of rapids in 

 deep eddies near big rocks. In the estuaries and 

 river mouths the best fishing stages of tide are the 

 last of the ebb and the first of the flood, while the 

 full tide is best in shallow bays and lagoons. 



The rod should be comparatively short, eight to 

 nine feet, rather stiiF, but elastic, and not much 

 over eight ounces in weight. Wooden rods will 

 weigh more than split bamboo, but a combination 

 of wood and bamboo ofi'ers the most satisfactory 

 result. The stifi'ness of the rod facilitates the use 

 of heavy sinkers, which are often necessary in tide- 

 ways. 



The reel adapted to this fishing is a good multi- 

 plier, and if intended for use around salt water it 



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