THE VACATION SEASON. 
460 
the angler whose sojourn is to be brief, will do well to carry his bait with him or 
order it in advance. When the latter plan is adopted he is expected to pay for it. 
There is good black bass fly fishing in the Conestoga from the first dam to its 
mouth, and bait fishing for both kinds of bass in the rapids and eddies immediately 
opposite the village of Safe Harbor. Striped bass, ranging from half a pound to a 
pound and upwards in weight, are frequently so abundant here as to become a se¬ 
rious annoyance to those whoseambition can only be satisfied when taking the black 
bass. The ordinary lures are used, the principal ones being live minnows, cray-tish, 
lielgramites, tadpoles, and sometimes earthworms, when more attractive baitcannot 
be had. These are the predominant baits at all the places to be named, except at 
Havre de Grace. 
Fite’s Eddy, 
twelve miles below Safe Harbor, has, for a number of years past, enjoyed notable 
reputation for its black bass. The water is deep and still, and the best lishing 
grounds are immediately opposite the hotel. The bass are usually plentiful here, 
especially late in the season—the best time for taking them. The fly fishing does 
not succeed well, the water being too deep and quiet. Baits already referred to are 
the kinds used. Hotel and boatman rates as quoted. 
Peach Bottom, 
or what is known as Peter’s creek, nearly opposite, is another well-known resort for 
black bass fishermen. It is about four miles below Fite’s Eddy, and lias good hotel 
and boating accommodations. Many bass are taken here in the course of the season, 
the waters being especially adapted to them. In the still deep pools in the vicinity 
the largest fish are caught. Fly fishing in the rapids and eddies. In addition, large 
suntisli, chubs and catfish afford abundant sport when the more capricious bass are 
not inclined to take the bait. Good hotels; boatmen plentiful. 
Port Deposit. 
This is the most celebrated black and striped bass lishing locality on the Susque¬ 
hanna. It is three miles from Perrvville, which is on the Philadelphia, Wilmington 
and Baltimore railroad, sixty miles from Philadelphia and thirty-seven miles from 
Baltimore. It can also be reached from Philadelphia by the Central Division of the 
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. Black bass, at this place, are 
not only numerous but usually are large sized, ranging from two to seven pounds, 
and averaging from three to four. The bait in best repute is the live mud dabbler , 
a small fish procured from Baltimore, to secure which orders must be given in ad¬ 
vance. Live shrimp from the same source are also very effective ; then follow the 
ordinary minnow, the cray-fish, tadpole and small catfish. 
Early in the season trolling is most in vogue. This is pursued in the rapids, com¬ 
mencing a mile above and extending as far as Conowingo bridge. A float with a 
very light sinker, or none, is used, with four or five feet of line below the float. The 
waters in the vicinity of Port Deposit at times fairly teem with striped bass. At no 
other point on the Susquehanna are they taken in equal abundance or of as large size. 
A twenty-pounder is frequently hooked, though none but experienced anglers care 
to encounter customers of that size. No finer sport could lie desired than is afforded 
by these gamey and beautiful fish. They are taken in pretty much the same man¬ 
ner and with the same bait as the black bass. 
Earlv in the morning and from four o’clock until sundown are their best biting 
hours. Salted eel-tail is a favoritie lure, and they are also captured by means of the 
spoon. When the latter is used, clear water is essential to success. June and July 
are the best seasons at this place for both kinds of bass. The hotel accommodations 
are good, at 11.50 per day. Boats that comfortabl}' carry several fishermen, together 
with the boatman, can be had for $3.00 a day, the lessees paying for the bait. 
