Sept. 7, 1895.] 



FOREST, AND STREAM. 



207 



Like all followers of the art, I venture not only to suspect, 

 but affirm, that the Doctor's selection of a whip or cast for 

 the work ahead on strange water is confined to that par- 

 ticular fly which in his experience has served him to most 

 advantage. If it does not take, what becomes of the 

 theory of sight (or easily seen)? Might it not be charged 

 to other and more practical reasons, such as nature in- 

 structs us in, for instance, to find the higher-colored 

 insects more plentiful in the open meadows than in the 

 woods, where somber colors prevail? To imagine a whip 

 selected haphazard, without any concern regarding color, 

 or on the principle that "everything goes," is indeed a 

 cruel slap at the acknowledged thinking powers of a bass, 

 not to mention trout. 



Since the Doctor is absolutely certain that a bass does 

 leap he should not doubt that there is a motive other than 

 fright which prompts it. It does not require close obser- 

 vation to distinguish an extended maw and a vigorous 

 shake. However, a point in the Doctor's favor which 

 seems to have been overlooked is the fact that his original 

 article had particular reference to fly-fishing at twilight. 

 While it is generally known that bass can be taken at 

 night, whether they shake themselves would be difficult 

 to discern at that particular time. That they do, and do 

 it savagely, is proven to me by observations conducted 

 strictly in broad daylight. 



Havingtaken your "killer" for a natural insect or as a 

 lure (as you ohoose), if the former they soon discover that 

 it is one of those species with a stinger attached (insects 

 do have them, you know) and it certainly seems that the 

 leap has a different meaning than fright, inasmuch as 

 this does not always occur at the strike, and it is there- 

 fore reasonable to suppose it is premeditated. If he is 

 fully satisfied of being fast to a line directly after the 

 strike it's funny, for if he happens to be hooked in a pool 

 where there "are others" the other fly attached to your 

 leader will invariably catch on, not to a snag so much as 

 another fish. In moderately deep water this is a com- 

 mon occurrence. The handling of a brace does not per- 

 mit either fish much, if any, freedom to leap, so I suspect 

 they cannot be much frightened, but engaged in a tug 

 of war. 



Combating sunken snags, rocks and currents requires 

 Bkill, but the real test occurs during that very same leap 

 under discussion, and it is a study to cope with it success- 

 fully. Since its consummation requires only a second or 

 a fraction thereof, spare me, brother anglers, if I dare to 

 be so critical as to say that I endeavor as near as possible 

 to be alert for its three distinctive parts — the upward 

 plunge, the shake and the drop. Granted that you have 

 a full appreciation of the enemy's quickness and prowess, 

 and are attending strictly to business with a taut line, 

 the percentage of loss during that vital instant when the 

 vigorous shake occurs will be greatly lessened if a good 

 Bharp tug is given, then eased up for the drop. To time 

 this is an art, since the upward plunge and the vigorous 

 shake happen at the same time, except when an extra- 

 ordinarily high leap is made, If quick enough four in 

 five times you will prevent that shaking process from 

 taking place and be entirely free from that "tired feel- 

 ing" occasioned at sight of the fly going one direction 

 and the expected prize in another. My experience has 

 proven that this can be acquired just as the strike is also 

 acquired; but will require much practice as regards pond 

 fishing. 



It is probably no secret that a bass can often be pre- 

 vented from leaping by swinging the rod in the opposite 

 direction from that in which he is running, being careful 

 that no slack is left in the effort to turn him. In stream 

 fishing the rise of the leader is a sufficient warning of 

 what is coming, not always so in still water or pond fish- 

 ing. With fish of such weight as are not easily kept 

 near the surface, I have seen leaps start from a depth of 

 8ft. or more, with the fish perfectly still and no sign 

 whatever to indicate the movement, and have been 

 caught "napping" with the extreme suddenness of the act 

 notwithstanding my diligent study of the action. All 

 large sensible bass leave you in the air; cause, well, they 

 seemingly despise those fearful stories going around about 

 the big fellow that got away and would rather trust your 

 deceptive sight about it. 



Still water offers the best field for observation, since the 

 leap is just as liable as not to occur near the boat after a 

 sharp run and even in the last stages of the fight, with 

 barely strength enough to make the effort and succeeding 

 only in raising his head of the water, the shake is percep- 

 tible in a modified form, but the motive is none the less 

 apparent, the prize is too close to the net for one to be 

 mistaken by reason of that most defective of our senses — 

 sight. While a bass a pound in weight will give a good 

 account of himself , I have had special reference through- 

 out to those weighing two, three and four times that size, 

 which may justly be termed a prize with a fly, inasmuch 

 as the chances for a good hold are meager compared with 

 other styles of fishing. 



The leap of the common pike {Esox lucius) when 

 hooked with the fly is similar to that of the bass, except 

 that it is not so high out of the water; the vigorous shake 

 is readily perceptible. Brown trout and California rain- 

 bow trout of good size will also leap, but the shake is less 

 vigorous. Is this fright? That is the question. 



While pond fly-fishing for bass may not bring into play 

 the full complement of tact and skill required in 

 running water, yet a 21b., 31b. or 4lb. bass hooked 

 in such water gives the angler the best opportunity 

 to study that grand spectacle, the leap— probably his 

 greatest chance of freedom. Let him leap, Doctor. 

 Lower your tip also if you like, but we hardly 

 think the method is synonymous with success. We 

 can, however, accord you a vote of thanks for provok- 

 ing such an interesting batch of experiences, as there is 

 always something to learn. M. G. Sellers, 



Stoney Lake, Ontario. 



Bukleigh, Ont., Aug. 23. — Small-mouth black bass 

 fishing has been good in Stoney Lake for this season of 

 the year; better in September. In a catch of thirteen 

 bass made by my wife and myself last Tuesday, six 

 caught in succession weighed exactly 31bs. a piece, 

 weighed as soon as caught. T. B. C. 



Learned from " Forest and Stream." 



Russell, N. Y. — Did my first fly-fishing yesterday 

 morning. Caught seven fine trout averaging }lb. each. 

 All the instructions I ever had in the art I received from 

 our paper, Forest and Stream. C. E. W. 



PORT HURON FISHING TOURNAMENT. 



Port Huron, Mich., Aug. 26.— Editor Forest and 

 Stream: I send you an account of the fish tournament 

 held under the auspices of the Port Huron Anglers' Pro- 

 tective Club. Our club has been in existence for two 

 years and over; it has been alive and that is all. A short 

 time ago I saw an article on the matter of fishing con- 

 tests in your paper; so after talking it over among the 

 members it was decided to have one, and see if it would 

 not awaken some interest in fishing matters. It proved 

 to be such a success that they had to have another, and 

 that one proved to be a hummer, and has been the mak- 

 ing of our club, bringing nearly all sporting fishermen 

 into our ranks. Chas. Weichsler. 



Among the provisions of the club rules are these: 

 "Its objects are the enforcement of all laws for the pro- 

 tection of fish in the counties of St. Clair and Sanilac, 

 and the cultivation of a due love for fishing with rod and 

 line. 



"The executive committee of the club shall examine 

 into all cases of violation of the laws for the protection 

 of fish in St. Clair and Sanilac counties and prosecute the 

 same when deemed expedient, for which purpose the 

 funds of the club shall be subject to their control. 



"It shall be the duty of each member of the club to 

 give information to the executive committee of all viola 

 tions of the law for protection of fish in the counties 

 aforesaid coming to their knowledge, together with such 

 evidence as may have come to their knowledge. 



"Each member pledges himself to faithfully and honor- 

 ably obey the lawsforthe protection of fish and to use 

 his best efforts to prevent others from disobeying them." 



And this is the story of the fishing and the supper: The 

 second fishing tournament of the Anglers' Protective 

 Association was held at Stag Island on Thursday. Some- 

 thing like forty lovers of the genile sport left the city on 

 the Hiawatha at 1:30 o'clock and were met at the island 

 by the fishermen who occupy the cottages there. Ed. 

 Percival brought a party down on the steam launch Lark, 

 and A. Schofield brought along his steam yacht Delilah. 



Frank Haynes and Theo. Kaesemeyer were elected 

 captains of the two sides and they chose their men, there 

 being twenty-two on each side. Fishing began at 3 

 o'clock and continued until 7 o'clock. The party was 



MARSHALL M'DONALD. 



divided in a dozen or more boats. Each boat was re- 

 quired to contain members of both sides, and they were 

 allowed to fish anywhere they might see fit, but the buy- 

 ing of fish was forbidden. 



The boats returned to the island about 7:30, and after 

 turning over their score cards the weary fishermen, gloat- 

 ing over the afternoon's sport, sat down to a banquet in 

 the pavilion in the park. The entertainment was ten- 

 dered by the cottagers at the island, the club being their 

 guests for the day. The pavilion had been handsomely 

 decorated during the day with bunting and the various 

 implements used by fishermen. The supper was splendid 

 and elaborately served by the ladies of the island. The 

 tables were decorated with flowers and colored candles at 

 intervals. Music waB furnished by the Port Huron harpers, 

 through the courtesy of Capt. Neal, of the ferry company. 

 After the supper had been thoroughly discussed by the 

 hungry crowd, Frank E. Beard called the assembly to 

 order and said that he had been asked to act as chairman, 

 but he regretted that Mr. A. R. Avery was not able to act 

 in the capacity of toastmaster. The latter had been con- 

 fined to the house during the day. He called upon Mr. 

 Jos. W. Avery to relate his experiences of the day. 



Mr. Avery said he had no experiences of his own, but 

 had seen A. S. Phillips going head foremost over the side 

 of the boat, and he supposed the latter must have caught 

 a sucker. 



James O'Sullivan was accused of buying fish, but he 

 stoutly maintained his innocence, and claimed that some 

 one had stolen his fish and that some had flopped out 

 after he had caught them. Nevertheless he had returned 

 with twelve. 



Dan Runnels was too full for utterance. 



Alex. Avery expressed his feelings at not being able to 

 go fishing with the boys, and called attention to the catch- 

 ing of a sucker by A. S. Phillips, the rules being that he 

 who should catch a sucker should forfeit his entire catch. 

 He also complimented the members on their veracity , and 

 said that the rules provided a fine for any one who should 

 understate his catch. 



Theo. Kaesemeyer was like Uncle Daniel — too full for 

 utterance. 



Nelson Mills welcomed the fishermen to the island and 

 said he was trying to make it a place for people to enjoy 

 themselves. 



Capt. Beach congratulated the ladies on the supper and 

 said that he had fished in nearly all the various waters in 

 the United States, and had nowhere had so much sport as 

 in the St. Clair River. 



Rev, D. H. Cooper accused Will Boyce of being able to 

 make more noise over a smaller fish than anybody else. 

 He said that Capt. Neal and Dave McTaggart claimed 

 that on Sunday Boyce had caught a fish with a Water- 

 bury watch and a piece of money in its mouth which he 

 had lost four years ago. The fish also had a recipe for 

 purifying Black River, which was signed J. O'Sullivan. 



Chas. W. Andrews, of St. Louis, told about fishing in 

 the Mississippi. 



Henry Middleton, of Louisville, K/., said the people of 

 his State didn't do much talking. They could drink bet- 

 ter than they could talk. 



Fred Haynes told how he caught the turkeys which 

 had just been eaten, and A. S. Phillips denied the accu- 

 sation that he had gone over the side of the boot after a 

 sucker; said he thought the other fellow must have had 

 something in the boat stronger than water. 



Sam Boyce, Jr., F. A. Bailey, Fred W. Sherman and 

 Capt. Neal were also called upon. Capt. Ed Thomas, of 

 the Hiawatha, told how he had landed excursions on the 

 head of the island twenty years ago, when the lower por- 

 tion was all wilderness. 



Mr. Cooper explained for Dan Runnels that his fish were 

 not dead. He knew they were alive — when caught. 



Three cheers were given for Capt. Neal in recognition 

 of favors extended to the fishermen and a vote of thanks 

 was given the ladies. At a business meeting Capt. Neal 

 and Ted Haynes were elected honorary members of the 

 club. 



The report of the judges came last. Capt. Kaesemeyer's 

 team won with a total of 1,420 points, Capt. Haynes's 

 side getting only 1,040 points. The first prize was awarded 

 to Charles Weichsler, he having 420 points to his credit. 

 He caught eighteen pickerel at 10 points each, one black 

 bass 12^in. long, 200 points, two rock bass at 15 points 

 each, and a catfish. The prize was a glass water set. 



Robert Dunsmore took the second prize, a silver match 

 box, with 140 points. Bert Gibson won the third prize, a 

 pair of Indian clubs, with 125 points. George Ernst and 

 Henry Middleton were a tie for fourth prize with 120 

 points each. Ernst won the toss and received a hand 

 mirror, Middleton taking the fifth prize of a bottle of per- 

 fumery. Capt. Beard and Fred W. Sherman were a tie 

 for the sixth prize, a match box, with 110 points each. 

 Sherman won the toss. 



Then there was the booby prize. Ed. Percival and Sam 

 Boyce each caught only suckers and had to toss up. Per- 

 cival won. The chairman knew that Mr. Percival would 

 take much pleasure with the prize and presented him with 

 an order to have six teeth extracted by Dr. McGregor, 

 free of charge. 



The contest was decided onpoints, the different varieties 

 of fish counting as follows: Black bass, 100 points. Rock 

 bass, 15 points. Pickerel, 10 points. Perch, 10 points. 

 Sheepshead, 10 points. Black bass over 12in. long to count 

 double. 



All present were united in their praises of the entertain- 

 ment, voting it the finest of the kind ever given on the 

 river, and so expressed themselves to their hosts. 



Four sheepsheads were caught during the day. 



Mr. Middleton is enthusiastic over the sport to be on St. 

 Clair River and announces his intention to rent a cottage 

 on Stag Island next summer and occupy it the entire sea- 

 son with his family. Capt, Beach thinks this most popu- 

 lar river will become a summer resort for its entire length 

 during the next few years. It is likely that several 

 tournaments will be held at the island next year. They 

 are proving very popular with the members of the club. 



BOSTON, MAINE AND CANADA. 



Boston, Aug. 30.— The season is rapidly wearing away, 

 and the time for the fall fly-fishing is almost at hand, 

 In passing it may be remarked that the sportsmen who 

 care for trout in the fall, in New England, are rapidly 

 growing less. The trout begin to be full of milt or 

 spawn, and it is not considered good sportsmanship to catch 

 them. But there is a strong desire for August fishing, so 

 many vacations occurring in that month. Mr. Harry 

 Brown, a son of Walter Brown, one of the greatest lovers 

 of angling the Boston wool trade ever knew, with his 

 son, a grandson of Walter, are just back from Nova 

 Scotia, where they have had good trout fishing. They 

 went to Anapolis, and then some thirty miles across the 

 country southward, toward Liverpool. They found good 

 August fishing for trout that would weigh from A to lib. 

 The grandson of Walter is developing a love for angling 

 that may lead him in the footsteps of his grandfather, 

 though it is possible that he may never be able to paint a 

 trout with the skill of his grandfather. One of the most 

 attractive trout paintings I have ever had the good for- 

 tune to see was done by that gentleman. It might have 

 been called the last struggle, bo well did it represent a 

 noble trout on the surface, with the cruel fly in his jaw, 

 the taut line and the pliant rod. 



Mr. J. Irving McLaughlin is back from the Bonny 

 River region, in New Brunswick, and to say that he is 

 pleased with his trip hardly expresses his enthusiasm. It 

 was about his first trout fishing and camping trip, and to 

 him it has been an ideal vacation. He speaks in the 

 kindest terms of the accommodation and attention of 

 their guide, Mr. Sullivan. Some good impressions of 

 brook trout on paper are his trophies. 



It has been Knights Templar week in Boston, and but 

 little gunning has heen done after shore birds. Tuesday 

 was very much of a holiday, all the places of business 

 being closed, and several gunners avoided the Knights 

 Templar parade, and fled to the shore after shore birds. 

 At Castle Island and Plum Island, at the mouth of 

 Ipswich River, where they expected to find good flocks 

 of summer yellow-legs, they found that the flocks had 

 been broken and scattered by local gunners. Besides the 

 day was a sultry one, and after considerable calling, and 

 no birds, they gave up in disgust. 



From Marshfield there are some good reports of flocks 

 of summer yellow-legs. The local gunners have brought 

 a number of bunches of birds to Boston. Mr. L. W. De- 

 Pass, Assistant Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, 

 will take a day off at Marshfield on Monday. Or rather 

 that day is a legal holiday, Labor Day, in Massachusetts. 

 He will look after the birds, and is likely to get a good 

 number. Several gunning parties along shore are planned 

 for that day, and the Forest and Stream shall have the 

 results. Special. 



The Forest and Stream is put to press each week on Tuesday. 

 Correspondence intended for publication should reach us at the 

 atest By Monday, aiuL as much earlier as practicable. 



