Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-02-17
Bass Fishing.
RARE SPORT ON THE sHENANDoAH-A FINE
DOUBLE TAKEN.

RARE SPORT ON THE sHENANDoAH-A FINE
DOUBLE TAKEN.
From the Southern Bivouac
We entered the river at the foot OF an island,
where, many years ago, q fish dam had been
built across the longer branch. The water now
flowed over it at every point. passing with a
swift current over the shelving rocks beyond
Heavy timber skirted the banks, often project
ing far over the water. Occasionally fallen
tree remained halfsubmerged. 1t was just such
place as imagined the noble game fish most
freQuented. Remembering il was the season
when the bass subsist much upon insects that
fall into the water from overhangiug bushes,
/ determined to try my luck along the shore,
while my companions were trying the RIFLES
below the dam. Seeing fallen willow with its
branches still covered with green foliage pro-
jecting over spot where the swift current
ended In a pool, ! iancle s there must be fish
So, standing some forty feet out into the
stream, l cast my flies into the eddy at the
head of the pool. A wel-grown bass darted at
the bait with such eagerness that he leaped
fully twelve inches into the air. carrying my
Ferguson" in his mouth. For moment his
bright scales sparkled in the sunlight. then,
falling back with a splash, he rushed directly
toward me, making for the center of the stream
with such rapidity that was unable TO keep
my line taut. Before he had passed my posi-
ton he had thrown the hook from his mouth "A
feat the bass is almost sure to accomplish when
ever the line is slackened. saw must ma
uoeuvre for a better position, SO 1 moved up the
stream before again casting beneath the will
low From this point l landed six fine bass
without moving from my tracks. then passed
down the stream, casting in near the shore as
went, but meeting with little success until
reached fence that had been built out into the
water as "a cattle guard. Approaching this
stealthily and quietly looking beyond, saw
quite q number OF bass of various sizes basking
In the sunlight in the angle between the fence
and the shore. selecting a favorable stand, 1
attempted to cast my flies into this angie, but,
agitated by the exciting prospect, my hand
had become unsteady that my flies
actually dropped on the wrong side of
the fence. Withdrawing them gently,
and at the same time recovering my COM
posture, sent them in an artistic curve TO
settle as gently as thistledown over the very
spot aimed at. 1t seemed as If every fish
darted simultaneously at the tempting fictions,
causing the water to foam in their merry zeal.
In an Instant my "Grizzly King" and "Gov
Afford" were each deeply embedded in the
throat OF large bass. Now the contest COM
menced with q vim have never seen surpassed.
At first they pulled against each other, desiring
to seek safety in opposite directions then they
darted down the stream, de by side, like Ken
lucky thoroughbreds- With their united
strength against me / could do nothing but
give them line. d.-red not at first to check
them in their wild rush. My large-sized reel
was almost empty, when I noticed the pressure
lessening; they were again attempting to d.
OF their unskilful tactics / commenced to reel
In. The effort to regain my lost ground was
slow at first. But gradually and surely am
forcing the fight at shorter range; weaker and
weaker becomes the resistance of the enemy,
until at last have the satisfaction OF seeing the
white bellies OF both turned up I'm token OF their
capitulation.