82 RECREATION 
are the best times, few fish being on the feed 
during the warmer hours. 
Lately we have given up all rods for bass 
excepting the short bait-casting rods that 
were first introduced by the Kalamazoo anglers. 
A rod five and a-half feet long, with fairly big, 
upstanding wire guides and agates near the 
handle and at the tip, meets our views. With- 
out knowing something more definite about 
your waters it is impossible to say what style 
By Rannie Smith 
will turn a grayish shade and probably flake off. 
The dressing must be perfectly dry. when the 
varnish is applied. Sealing wax may also be 
dissolved in spirits of wine, and makes a useful 
varnish, though it will not last as well as that 
made of shellac. 
For bass there is no better bait than live min- 
nows, as every old bass angler will agree. But 
the more sportsmanlike use of artificial flies 

FLIES VERSUS BAIT 
of fishing will succeed best. Try to get some 
old local fisherman to show you the rudiments 
of the art—ED. 
Try a Quill Minnow 
What is the best minnow to use for trout in 
a small stream—I mean an artificial minnow ? 
Bennington, Vt. YALE. 
We have found a quill minnow, No. 3, 13 
inches long, to be a good size and pattern. ED. 
Nibbles 
A good varnish for rods is that known as 
“‘best coachmaker’s.”” Two coats should be 
applied, but the second must not be laid on 
until the first is dry. Spar varnish is preferred 
by some. 
A useful varnish: Break a stick of shellac 
into small pieces, and dissolve in spirits of 
wine. After applying it to whippings or tackle, 
be sure that it is thoroughly dry, or the varnish 
will often bring good results in July. Late 
evening fishing is probably the best, and if the 
fish are rising and you can manage your flies, 
you may even catch a good bag after dark. But 
night fishing has its disadvantages, it being very 
hard to net the fish and hazardous to expensive 
tackle if there is brush in the water, or rocks are 
abundant. Light flies are best. 
Do not forget that, in bait-casting, a great 
deal depends upon having your lure strike the 
water gently. To many beginners this may 
seem impossible where casts of 100 feet and 
upward are made, but there is a trick in it. 
When the bait is about to strike the water and 
a few feet above the surface, raise the tip of 
your rod; this will change the direction of the 
ait, turning it toward you and materially 
checking its momentum. It will strike gently 
and immediately start toward you, which latter 
is imperative to success. If the bait does not 
move off immediately on striking the water it 
will frighten the fish, rather than attract him. 
