io8 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



right hand should be below. The thumb should 

 maintain a gentle and uniform pressure on the 

 spool as it revolves, to prevent backlashing, and 

 by a stronger pressure stop the revolution of the 

 spool as the bait reaches the water. 

 ■ As long a cast is made as possible, and when 

 the bait settles it should be reeled in again very 

 slowly and the cast repeated until the bait is 

 taken by a bass. When the water is very rough, 

 so as to churn the bait and keep it in constant 

 motion, fewer casts are necessary, as the bait can 

 be left in the water for a longer time before 

 making a new cast. When the fish is hooked 

 and starts on his initial rush, line should be 

 given, the thumb always on the spool to check 

 him when it can be done without endangering 

 the tackle. His first rush will probably be his 

 strongest, and he must then be killed on the rod 

 and reeled in to the gaffer. During the struggle 

 of playing the fish, great care must be observed 

 to prevent the cutting or chafing of the line 

 against sharp rocks, and to keep the fish away 

 from weeds, timbers, or other obstructions. 



As the bass may weigh anywhere from ten to 

 fifty pounds, the utmost skill and precaution are 

 necessary to land him safely. Very often the 



