THE BLACK BASSE. 
193 
and do not return immediately to their harboring spot, which 
is one reason why those who do not use the reel are not as 
successful as those who employ it. After a few moments 
they glide back to their favorite spot, and as the fly comes 
along, dart at and seize it. A strong tug is felt by the angler, 
who has only to draw gently, and his prey is fastened. The 
oarsman rests on his oars, to give the angler full command 
of his line. The noble fish, after one or two runs to right and 
left, suddenly rises and makes his splendid leap, and plung- 
ing, again seeks the bottom, again rises, and then tries hia 
last experiment of dashing right towards the boat. He strug- 
gles long and vigorously, but his strength is at last exhausted, 
and yon trail your unresisting captive to the landing net. I 
have taken them of various weights, the largest weighing five 
pounds nine ounces: this was done last summer (184 4) in Lake 
George. I believe they are sometimes taken much larger 
in the St, Lawrence river, and upper lakes, but my acquaint- 
ance with them is limited to the beautiful lake just mentioned. 
“At SberriH’s capital hotel at Caldwell, every facility for 
enjoying this delightful sport can be had, though the best 
fishing grounds are down the lake. 
“An excellent house is kept by Mr. Garfield, twenty-two 
miles down the lake, where the best fishing stations for the 
salmon trout are situated. There is a great deal of fine 
ground for the basse in the neighborhood. 
“About ten miles from Caldwell, there is a place called 
the Narrows, where there are numerous small islands with 
shelving rocky shores, and fine trolling ground. 
“Anglers will find good plain accommodation at a house 
kept by Mr. Lyman, who is very kind and attentive to his 
guests, and furnishes baits, guides, &c. 
“In trolling for the black basse in Lake George, you will 
frequently strike those of one-half to three-fourths pound 
weight, even with the very large fly which I have described. 
