THE STRIPED BASS 



the bait at the surface of the water without a jerk, 

 and the motion of the reel must be stopped as soon 

 as the bait touches the water. 



As soon as the bait sinks to the bottom the hne 

 is reeled in slowly, and the casting is continued until 

 a fish is hooked. The first dash of the fish after 

 hooking is the most critical stage of the fishing, 

 and the bass may sometimes rush toward the angler 

 faster than the slack can be taken up, or he may 

 chafe the line against sharp rocks or entangle it in 

 weeds. All of these tricks must be skilfuUy met 

 and overcome. The natural difiiculties associated 

 with this fishing, in addition to the strength and 

 endurance of the bass, caU for good judgment and 

 superb skill on the part of the angler. In landing 

 big fish through the surf the utmost care is required. 



The preparation and application of the men- 

 haden bait are very simple. The fish is first scaled, 

 then a shce is cut from each side from head to tail, 

 leaving little except the backbone, the head, and 

 the fins, which are utilized later for " chum." The 

 hook is inserted in the fleshy side of the strip, and 

 then returned through the edges of the scaly side 

 in such manner as entirely to conceal the shank. 

 The bait must be tied on the hook, or it wiU soon be 

 washed off by the action of the water. After two 

 baits are cut from the sides, the remainder of the 

 fish is chopped up and thrown into the water; the 

 solid portions sinking at greater or less distance 



14 209 



