228 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
— en 
|Ocr. 16, 1884, 
Sea and River SMishing. 
TROUTING IN MAINE. 
E have just returned, my friend and 1, from our annual 
visit to the Tim Pond and Seven Ponds region in 
Maine. We stayed seven weeks in Kennedy Smith’s camps. 
The fishing in no way deteriorates. Tim Pond is a wonder- 
ful lake for trout. Considering what great numbers are 
caught there every season, it is surprising that they show no 
diminution in number or in weight, One evening, after 
supper, my friend and myself caught seventy trout that 
would average 5 ounces each, and no “babies” among them. 
The largest trout taken with a fly in Tim Pond while we 
were there weighed 14 pounds. We made it a rule to ask if 
there were trout enough for the table in camp before we went 
out upon the lake, for we did not wish to bring in any to be 
wasted. A large part of our catch were returned to the 
water as soon as they came to hand. ; 
I saw several things this season that were new and inter- 
esting tome. I saw a rabbit, that knew a mink was on its 
trail, take to the water and swim out into the lake fifty yards 
or more. It escaped the mink but fell into the hands of the 
pot-hunter, Isaw a trout in the act of spawning; standing 
within a few feet I watched them a long time, I saw a red 
squirrel eating a toadstool, and ruffed grouse whose crops 
were filled entirely with green leaves, mostly clover leaves, 
We caught large trout in Big Island Pond, late in the season, 
that had absolutely nothing in their stomachs, though min- 
nows were very plenty there. Do trout fast at spawning 
time? 
While asking questions, will some one tellme how much 
of an injury from a hook will a trout ordinarily recover 
from? Isa wound im the gills necessarily fatal? I would 
like to ask the experience of anglers with the lightest and 
most flexible split bamboo rods—the Catskill, Caledonian, 
ete.— weighing about five ounces. Are they fonnd satisfac- 
tory for lake fishing where the trout seldom exceed a pound 
in weight? And what is the proper size of line to use on 
such arod? Now that the fishing season is past we ought 
to have more talks from the anglers about their tackle, to 
balance the buckshot articles in the gun department. 
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Oct, 13, 1884. W. G. 
[Trout eat very little at spawning time. If a female that 
is full of eggs, and within a few weeks of spawning, is 
opened, it will be seen that the eggs occupy the whole abdo- 
men and extend forward to the pectoral fins, crowding the 
stomach, liver, etc. A trout is not injured by a hook which 
does not penetrate the eye, brain, or gills, but is severely in- 
jured by a dry hand being placed ever so gently on its body; 
that injury will not show until after several days, but it is 
fatal in every case. We prefer to leave the question of rods 
and lines to our correspondents, because we then get the ex- 
perience of several persons who are sure to disagree and 
present the matter in all lights. } 
MINNOW CASTING FOR BLACK BASS. 
Editor Forest and Stream: 
It is hardly possible to formulate a set of rules for any con- 
test of competitive skill that will be perfectly satisfactory to 
every one, and especially is dissatisfaction likely to be mani- 
fested where there is so much diversity of opinion, as to the 
methods and appliances, as obtains in any contest pertaining 
to angling. 
In your issue of Oct. 2, appear objections from ‘‘R. B.,” 
and Mr. C. G. Levison, to some of the conditions imposed 
by the special committee on “casting the minnow for black 
bass” in the rules drawn up for that contest. “R. B.” thinks 
that the rales ‘‘are needlessly rigid in prescribing that the 
mode of casting shall be underhand,” and that ‘‘the weight 
of the minnow (half an ounce ginker) seems to be greater 
than necessary.” He also fails to comprehend the meaning: 
of ‘‘delicacy” as a factor in casting a half-ounce sinker, and 
thinks that the ‘‘style of casting is so much like that for 
striped bass, save in the use of one hand,” that ‘‘the scale of 
oints,” and ‘‘the method of scoring should be the same.” 
r. Levison regrets that the limit of the maximum weight of 
rods is placed at 10 ounces, as his own rod weighs 12 ounces. 
It has been the constant aim of the writer to give to the 
black bass the distinction its merits. deserve as a game fish, 
und to create in ‘‘casting the minnow for black bass,” a dis- 
tinctive method of angling. The aforesaid rules, therefore, 
were not hastily drawn, or adopted without due consideration ; 
on the contrary, they are the result of much study, and of 
many years of careful, patient and enthusiastic investigation 
and experience. That they are as nearly correct and just as 
it is perhaps possible to make them, I might mention that I 
have received personal letters from anglers who take just the 
opposite view of “R. B,” and Mr. Levison, and who think 
that lighter or shorter rods, or a greater weight of sinker 
should be permitted than the rules prescribe. 
The objections urged by “‘R. B,” are just what might be 
expected from one who casts overhead or overhand (as in 
fly-fishing), for in such methods only the lightest weights, as 
the artificial fly, or the natural insect, and a comparatively 
long and flexible rod can be used advantageously. And this 
explains, probably, why he fails to appreciate “‘delicacy” in 
casting a half-ounce sinker, which, cast in such a manner, is 
hurled into the water as from a catapult. This is the method 
practiced universally by those who use a long, natural cane 
rod (eschewing the reel), and wake the watery echoes by the 
“slap” of the minnow upon the surface of the stream. 
In the rules, the term ‘‘delicacy” is coupled with “style,” 
and the two words are used, in a manner, synonymously. 
The word ‘‘grace’ might be substituted for both, or the 
English word ‘‘form” might be employed instead, were its 
technical meaning well understood in this country. It has 
no special reference to the ‘‘plumping” of the sinker into the 
water, but embraces the manner and grace of the angler in 
casting, his dexterity and skill in handling his rod and reel, 
and kis judgmeut and carefulness in delivering the sinker 
without undue violence. I have heretofore had occasion to 
mention in your columns that there is a wide difference 
between casting the minnow for black bass and casting the 
mossbunker for striped bass, and also a corresponding diver- 
sity in the tools and lackle employed in the two methods of 
angling; a greater difference, indeed, than as between salmon 
and trout fishing. The method of scoring, therefore, should 
not be the same, 
To any one in doubt, I would cordially invite their inspec- 
tion of the split bamboo, lancewood and bethabara rods, and 
the reels offered as prizes in the black bass contest. These 
tools are in the highest degree representative of their class, 
are constructed especially from specifications furnished by 
myself, and are models of excellence, beauty and utility. 
I have only to say to Mr. Levison that I regret that his 
greenheart rod was constructed from the specifications for a 
lancewood rod, and is consequently heavier. Few of us 
possess the muscular requirements to cast well, single- 
handed, a 12-ounce rod, and I am sure he can perform much 
better with one of two or three ounces less weight. . I hope 
he will enter for the contest, and borrow a rod of the pre- 
scribed weight for the occasion. Should I be present, as I 
expect, I will take great pleasure in furnishing him one. I[ 
will also say to “‘R. B.” that if the foregoing “explanation” 
is not sufficient, I will be happy to give him any further light 
I am capable of, should he make himself known to me at 
that time. I wish, in this connectien, to appeal to all the 
lovers of the black bass, who can conveniently do so, to 
attend the coming tournament and enter for the contest of 
“casting the minnow for black bass.” 
: ‘ Jamis A. HeNSHALL. 
CYNTHIANA, Ky., Oct, 8, 1884, 
THE TOURNAMENT, 
HE third annual tournament of the National Rod and 
Reel Association will be held at Harlem Mere, Central 
Park, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 28, beginning 
at 10 A. M, each day. The following is the prize list: 
SINGLE-HANDED FLY-CASTING. 
CLASS A—AMATEUR, 
Judges: C, Van Brunt, Hon. R. B, Roosevelt, 
referee. 
Open to amateurs, under Rule 2, who haye never won a first prize. 
Winners to haye choice of prizes. 
1. Gold medal], given by James C. McAndrew, value.........-- 
2. Fly-rod, 11ft., 844oz., German silver ferrules, reel-seat of Na- 
tional Rod and Reel standard, in grooved wood case, 
given by B. F. Nichols, 153 Milk street, Boston, value.... 
3. Levison patent fly-book with sealskin cover, for trout or 
bass flies, as winner desires, given by William Mills & 
James Benkard 
Sons, ¢ Warren street, New York, value............ Aan 8 00 
4. Four dozen trout flies, given by Wm. W. Cone, Masonville, 
UN Re sp MEIC tom a8T a alot uc: Gretna ested test hen a ee 4 00 
5. One year’s subscription to Forest AND STRWAM.............4 4 00 
6. One box knitting silk, given by E. J. Martin, Rockville, 
OLN S 1 Der bate ee Ure ei tee eae eee oe la ae ee 3 00 
7, One box “‘business"’ fish lines, No, 1, given by E, J. Martin, 
ROCK VINE One a: nek) te blo ta dapelebaerttie nie pes cere eee 2 00 
8. One dozen assorted flies, small, given by W. W. Cone, Ma- 
SOMVAlLe: INAS Ze Stee ee ea ah tore Sele wien sien 1 00 
CLASS B—AMATEUR, 
Judges: Rey. H. L, Ziegenfuss, E, G, Blackford. 
Geddes, referee. 
Rules of Class A to govern; winners to have choice of prizes: 
1. Gold medal, given by National Rod and Reel Association, 
POUE once 31, See retreat ye ta Seal ebm eereaere yD $30 00 
2. Black bass minnow rod, Henshall pattern, lancewood, given 
Hon, James 
by Thomas J. Conroy, 65 Fulton street, New York........ 25 00 
3, Four dozentroutiflies, given by W,W. Cone, Masonville, N.Y. 4 00 
4, One year’s subscription to FOREST AND SPREAM............-. 4 00 
5, One box knitting silk, given by E. J. Martin, Roekville,Conn. 3 00 
6 
. One box “business” fish lines, No. 2, given by E. J. Martin, 
Rockville ons 2% % .: 8) ayer assed. seen Ass 
7. Copy of American edition of Dame Juliana Berner’s book, 
‘‘Wysshinge”’ ediled by G. W. Van Siclen................., 
MINNOW CASTING FOR BLACK BASS. 
Judges: W.C. Harris, M. M. Backus. D. W. Cross, referee. 
Open to all. (See rules.) 
1. One ‘‘Leonard” black bass rod, German silyer mountings, 
given by William Mills & Sons, No.7 Warrenst., New York. $30 00 
2. ‘‘Patent perfection” raised pillar, treble multiplying, alumi- * 
num reel, capacity 50 yards, weight 3 ounces, given by 
Frederick Malleson, Nos. 186 to 144 First street, Brooklyn, 
8. Black bass reel, No. 2, multiplier, extra fine, German silver, 
handle next to crossbar, adjustable click, drag, or rubber, 
given by B. C. Milam, Frankfort, Ky........ .-.....-.... ‘ 
4, Black bass reel, No. 2, extra fine German silver, narrow pat- 
tern, click and drag, with adjustable reel fastening, given 
Tay, Wu. Save, Mam Cort, Gy Ae oes eile nie wee phen Vey sco etie 
. Mizuow casting rod, 8144 feet long, in two pieces, weight 914 
ounces, two tips, standing guides, German silver mount- 
ings, with reel-seat of National Rod and Reel Association 
stand. , given by B. F. Nichols, 153 Milk street, Boston. 
é. ‘Henshali vlack bass rod,” ash butt, bethabara joints, two 
tips, German silver mountings, ferrules banded and 
milled, given by A. B, Shipley & Son, 503 Commerce 
BILE Sb NMAC SUPH EA rij jatescdate vicfeido estas sacs she ein sishaelelodriele 
7. ‘Henshall black bass rod,” German silyer mountings, non- 
dowel joints, extra tip, wood case, given by Thomas H, 
Ghubb.s Post Malls, Vivien: te.) Poen creas. 2 Gane ots ee ee 
8. Black bass reel, Henshall & Van Antwerp pattern, automatic 
thumb, adjustable compensating joints, alarm, given by 
Thomas H. Chubb, Post Mills, Vt.................254ss2:05 
9, “Imperial black bass reel,” rubber and German silver, steel 
pivot, given by William Mills & Son, 7 Warren st,,N. Y¥..., 
10. ‘Henshall black bass rod,” six-strip hexagonal split bam- 
boo, standing guides, length 8 feet 3inches, two tips, sack 
and wood case, Orvis patent reel-seat, given by C. F. 
Onvis, MancGhesten, Vite nici cee wets eee gmt endeeterade sterelp tints 
11. One year’s subscription to FoREST AND STREAM.............. 
SALMON CASTING. 
Col. L. W, Winchester, Dr. A. Fesher. J. C. McAndrew, 
or 
15 00 
15 00 
Judges; 
referee. 
Open to all, 
1. Gold medal, given by Mr. James C. McAndrew, value........ 
2: Prize given by Mr. D- W: Cross.: 02-25 224 hie as ang soe feee ast 
8. Patent ‘“‘dorsal fin’? landing-net, given by William Mills & 
Scale as in fly-casting, Rods not to exceed 18,fest, 
$50 00 
Son, 7 Warren street, New York.... .........-2-.+22ee-ess 5 50 
4, One year’s subscription to FoREST AND STREAM ...,+.-....-.. 4 00 
5. One box of fish lines, No 4, given by H. J. Martin, Rockville, 
(EPOPIN pig age Mee opt eS rr Pea 18 on meedarrianticetiictce rs fy of 8 50 
HEAVY BASS CASTING. 
Judges; S$. M. Blatchford, J. L. Vallotton. Hon. BH, P. McGown, 
referee, 
Open to all, 
i. Gold medal, given by the National Rod and Reel Associa 
LOM VRC: ge ane tees eee Pe eta nae ype ec $20 00 
2. “Sport with Gun and Rod,"' by Prot. A. M. Mayer, morocco, 
given by Mr, B. R. Wilbur, of ForEsT AND STREAM,....... 
8. One year's subscription to FOREST AND STREAM.........- hen 
4, Special prize for the longest cast made, without reference to 
lane, an order for best quality silk hat, presented by 
Balch, Price & Co., 8768 Fulton street, Brooklyn N. Y...- 
LIGHT BASS CASTING. 
Judges: Francis Endicott, Martin B. Brown. Thos, H. Gill, referee, 
1. Gold medal, given by the National Rod and Reel Association, 
FLU the ce des da dE ue ote Sree Bae ple we ple ieee ao 
ht iat 
8 00 
16 00° 
2 “Sport with Gun and Rod,” by Prof. A. M. Mayer, cloth; 
given by National Rod and Reel Association, yalue,-..,... 10 00 
3. Refrigerator basket, given by J. R. Hare, 63 Fayette street, 
Baltimore, Md.............--..... = ie ar halite yo forte spur nti 4 30 
4, One year’s subscription to ForEstT AND STRMAM............... 400 
SINGLE-HANDED FLY-CASTING. - 
CLASS E—REXPERT. 
Judges: Louis B. Wright, N. D. Eddy. J. S. Van Cleef, referee, 
Open to all. Distance only to count, 
1. Gold medal, given by National Rod and Reel Association, 
Valera ae”, foto. chs moe Lipsey cue aes aoeie $25 00 
Bi CBS etapa ag gece cle BE td) plone eee eee oer EEL ree 15 00 
SJ Case PASE A eee A uratinie pha Mt [open a ee ee .. 10 00 
4, One year’s subscription to FormsT AND STREAM _............- 4 00 
5, Pour dozen trout flies, given by W. W. Cone, Masonyille, 
INC Va]. 08): bh ge cece te aatacs, «cites Behdnacre AGEs wir. ae vor 400 
6, One box “business” fish lines, No. 3, given by EH. J. Martin, 
Rock yilles Conte nase herein: cue vee euceeadtte hee eaU UL 
THE SLICED HOOK. 
\ ] E give herewith an illustration of anew pattern of fish 
hook, invented by Mr. R. B. Marston, editor of the 
London Fishing Gazette. The object of the additional barb 
or “slice,” on the outside of the shank, is to preyent the bait 
from wriggling off, and in some cases it may serve to hold 
the fish. These hooks have been placed upon the English 
market, and have met with favor, judging from the comment 
upon them in the London papers. The Held says: 
“This hook will be found specially useful in up-stream 
worm-fishing, where the bait has to be cast frequently. The 
barb on the shank also aids materially in preventing a fish 
getting off the hook in its struggles. ‘These hooks have been 
found to answer well for barbel fishing.” 
Mr, J. C. Willcocks, a well-known writer, in a communi- 
cation to the same paper, says: ‘The new sliced hook, in- 
vented by Mr, R, B. Marston, is likely to be much used in 
sea fishing, and the following baits may be used withit: A 
large single rag worm or a lug, or a lob worm, the small 
lamprey or pride, the river lamprey, and the small fresh- 
water eel, all for pollack and bass, and the rag and lug 
worms for bream. A piece of squid or cuttlefish, of clong- 
ated form, may also be used with this hook. The sand eel 
or launce may be used as a dead towing bait on this hook; 
but, from the great gape of the jaws, the muzzle lashing 
round the nose, can scarcely be dispensed with to keep al. 
snug. In trout fishing in Ireland, with the elvyer for bait, 
about the eighth of the sharp top of the hook (Limerick) is 
left free to hold the head of the bait, and a small lip 
hook is often used in both river and sea fishing. 1 have 
often found fish caught by the upper hook, especially in pol- 
lack fishing. At page 125 of my work, ‘The Sea Fisher- 
man,’ third edition, and page 140, fourth edition, it will be 
seen that a stout bent pin is shown lashed on to the back or 
the hook to keep the piece of squid or cuttle fish from slid- 
ing down on the bend of the hook. Mr. Marston’s introdue- 
tion of the sliced hook would seem to be a development of 
and an improvement on my arrangement above mentioned, 
Mr. M.’s plan forming in its chief feature a portion of the 
hook itself. It will, of course, be necessary to slice the hook 
with skill and judgment, that the hook be not thereby 
weakened, but this matter will doubtless receive due atten- 
tion from the makers. The quickness in baiting which Mr. 
M.’s plan proiises should recommend it to fishermen gener- 
ally, who have felt that something was wanted to keep the 
bait upon the head of the hook.” 
No doubt some of our enterprising tackle dealers will offer 
these hooks to our anglers next season. They are well worth 
a trial by bait fishers. Specimens of ‘‘Kirby bent” hooks 
for sea fishing, Nos. 3 to 5, and hollow pointed Limerick, 
Nos. i to 40 may be seen at this office. 
THE BIG PIKE. 
E were a jolly party of eight, and had reached our old 
camping ground on Red River, pitched our tent, got 
everything in “‘ship shape” for the night, when the old 
gentleman on whose place we were camping, came over to 
see us. Said he, “‘As 1 came home this evenin’ crossin’ the 
pint yonder I see a big pike runa bass out’n bank. Mebby 
ef you fish thar with a good big minner you'll ketch im.” 
C,, an old and enthusiastic pike fisherman, jumping up from 
his log seat and clapping his hands together, said, ‘‘Boys, 
he’s my pike!” 
The next morning was spent principally in catching bait, 
and was partly a failure. C., however, selecting a half dozen 
largest chubs, started for the place where the pike was seen 
the day before. Baiting his hook he seated himsclf high up 
on the bank where he could see, and yet be concealed from 
the fish. Returning to camp at night full of excitement, he 
said: “I’ve see him twice this evening but he wouldn’t 
notice those small fry I had, he is all of four and a half feet 
long; I’ve caught many pike in my days but never saw one 
like him, If 1 can get a twelve-inch sucker to-morrow I'll 
bet my blue roan mare to a nickel I'll catch him before to- 
morrow night.” | 
That night two men were engaged to catch minnows in a 
creek emptying into the river six miles above, with instruc- 
tions to be back by 9 o'clock inthe morning. Hvery one 
was impatient, as the whole party concluded to tty the 
monster pike, Finally 9 o’clock came, and a few minutes 
after the men with the minnows, which \yere nice suckers 
from ten to thirteen inches long, but only eight in number. 
There being eight in the party, the question arose as to who 
should have first choice. T. suggested to draw straws; the 
man that drew the longest one to have first choice, second 
longest the next, and so on. C. being the older one of the 
party, claimed first chance, and on drawing drew the long- 
est straw. Selecting a thirteen-inch white sucker and care- 
fully placing it in his bucket, he started to his fishing ground, 
previously agreeing that all should return to camp when 
Jack (the colored cook) should blow his horn for dinner, _ 
After a while a little barefoot boy came along with “Mis- 
ter, ketchin’ any?” On being invited to come and take 2 
seat on the Jog, he told C. that he lived in “that there house 
round the bend, and that he ketched some big uns in that 
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