Evening star., 1909-07-10
this morning


catches Of black bass heard among an
glers this summer. The waters of the up
per Potomac and Shenandoah rivers have
remained muddy almost ever since the
opening of the summer season. Not many
anglers have been willing to waste their
time.
Reports from the vicinity of Romney
and Sir Johns Run indicate that the
water was in good condition at those
places earlier in the week. although no
reports of catches have been heard.
Anglers have become so accustomed TO
muddy water in the Potomac that experts
with rod and line have concluded that
spor: must be found In landing FISH other
than the small-mouth bass. To wait for
good water for bass In this section, an
glers realize, means almost TO refrain
from wetting their lines for more than
one-haiI the open season.
1t seldom happens that good bass Ash
ing is enjoyed during the open spring
season. 1t is therefore necessary to wait
until late fall in order to have an oppor-
tunity to enjoy the sport.
From Harpers Ferry yesterday. how
ever. came the cheering information that
the Potomac river is clearing, and good
sport Is anticipated. The word was sent
by Capt James I. Mcconnell, assistant
doorkeeper at the Capitol, in letter to
his son. DR.. Irwin H. Mcconnell.
The latter Is one of the army of pis-
catoriaI artists who think there is no
sport equal to that OF bass ilshing. lie
spent the Fourth at Harpers Ferry, and,
despite the decidedly unfavorable condi-
tions. made an effort TO land few bass.
He induced a friend to accompany him
to the Shenandoah river and they wet
their lines in the muddy water
Il couldn't remain 50 near the river
r1tax 1t,.,,
Yesterday, "and so l went to the muddy
stream And, much to my surprise, |
caught three bass
Should weather conditions remain IA
yorable the Potomac about the vicinity of
Harpers Ferry will probably be in spien-
did condition tomorrow.
There are two enthusiastic anglers who
have long since given up the idea that
the small-mouth bass Is the only fish to
catch. and there are probably no two
others who get as much enjoyment from
trips to the river. They are Jesse Mid
dleton and Henry Talbot
The former has the reputation of spend
ing more time on the water than any
other local angler II he is not able to
get bass be finds JOY catching other spe-
cies of the finny tribe.
THE trouble with SO many fishermen is
that they lose sight of the fact that they
are enjoying an outing" said the leader
OF the anglers 10 a oldT TepOi Ter. 1t Is
not the fish that does the angler good,
but the outing. and it often happens that
the most enjoyable outings are those
which net the smallest catches
Mr Middleton and his companion are
particularly fond of using artificial fly
Monday while at Aqua creek that enabled
them to make the best catch of the sea-
son and entitle Mr.. Talbot to Shappiro's s
prize for the largest bass OF the week
hoo h.
ut the time and the choicest Of live bait
was used, but with no success The two
anglers who used the fly. however. were
able to land fifteen plymouth bass. Tai
bot landing one weighing three and one
half pounds, the largest of the fifteen.
John Hurley and William Sturbitts. an
other pair OF enthusiasts III the fishing
line. were among those who spent their
Fourth OF July holiday on Aqua creek
They had the best assortment of live
bait lima ginable. worked hard all day,
went to every place where they thought
the bass ought to be. and still they were
unable to land bass.
Not far from them were Jesse Middleton
and Henry Talbot, with their artificial
bait. pulling out an occasional bass.
But It will not be that way long"
remarked Hurley on his return trip. Its
me for the fly hereafter"
II so happens that Jesse Middleton is
not one OF the mysterious or selfish an
1lers who believe In having a monopoly
OF the sport He readily consented to give
his friend Hurley a few lessons in cast
ing.
Hurley wants 1t distinctly understood.
however, that he knows something about
casting q NY. What he desires to know
is how TO handle the bait after it touches
the water.
A trip was arranged for today 1t is
thought that one lesson will be all that
the apt pupil will need. Then he expects
10 be able to supply his friends with bass
during the remainder OF the season.
Much has been said and written about
the conduct of the smalI-mouth bass after
II takes the bait and makes the first run.
The best anglers differ as to just what
the Ash does But John Hurley. who has
demonstrated the fact that the game fish
will live In captivity. Is constantly demon
strating to his friends how the fish acts.
n has long been the claim OF some Of
,he expert anglers that the bass does not
scale the bait before swallowing 1t. The
conduct of the bass In captivity shows
that the bait is scaled
Until q few days ago Hurley had two
fine specimens of bass in his aauariums
AZ his place Of business. The larger Of
the two. Weighing FIVE aud three-quarter